Voix - Find Your Voice, 136 Stirling Highway, Perth (2025)

29/02/2024

"Gaming is a mirror that reflects our personal narratives, and DGR theory helps us understand this reflection better." - Miikka Sokka.

The DGR theory takes into account everything from personal meanings given to gaming, internal and external influences, to the level of engagement. It's a reminder that gaming isn't just a pastime, but a complex social world with its own subtleties and nuances.

So what are the examples of DGR in Action 🤔

1. Fortnite Fanatic: “Jane's” love for cooperative games and competitive spirit makes Fortnite her game of choice, reflecting her collaborative nature and competitive edge.

2. Casual Candy Crusher: “John's” relaxed approach to gaming and preference for puzzle-solving mirrors his laid-back personality and problem-solving skills.

3. The MMO Master:” Emily's” dedication to MMO games reflects her love for exploration and social interaction.

What DGR Change For You 🫵

Understanding your digital gaming relationship is about more than just exploring your gaming habits. It's about gaining insights into your personality, preferences, and even your social behaviour. 🧠
Who knew gaming could tell us so much about ourselves right? 😄

Remember, every game you play is a story about you. So, game on and discover yourself! 👀

However, there are many challenges and potential pitfalls of overusing gaming and dislocating oneself from the real world. 🌎 Stay well connected with people around you, and enjoy your time with your family and friends! Gaming should be only a tiny part of your life. If it gets that way - please talk to us - we may help you to find the balance.

Reference:

Young people’s engagement with digital gaming cultures – Validating and developing the digital gaming relationship theory. Mikko Meriläinen https://doi.org/10.1016/j.entcom.2022.100538

28/02/2024

Discover the in-depth world of digital gaming relationships and what it reveals about you. 👀

Ever wondered why you're so hooked on your favourite video game or why your friend's gaming habits are so different from yours? 🧐

Well, you're not alone. According to a new study, each of us has a unique digital gaming relationship, shaping how we engage and find meaning in gaming!

The world of gaming is far more complex than just controller skills and leaderboard rankings. The Digital Gaming Relationship (DGR) theory, proposed by Miikka Sokka (ref. below), dives into this complexity, exploring how each individual engages with gaming in their own unique way.🌟

The DGR theory takes into account everything from personal meanings given to gaming, internal and external influences, to the level of engagement. It's a reminder that gaming isn't just a pastime, but a complex social world with its own subtleties and nuances. 🌎

So what are the techniques for Understanding Your Gaming Relationship👇

🕹️ Reflect on your gaming habits: What games do you play and why?

🕹️ Examine your gaming history: How have your gaming preferences changed over time?

🕹️ Consider external influences: How have friends, family, or popular culture shaped your gaming experiences?

Reference 📑

Young people’s engagement with digital gaming cultures – Validating and developing the digital gaming relationship theory. Mikko Meriläinen https://doi.org/10.1016/j.entcom.2022.100538

26/02/2024

Voix is Unmasking Online Bullies 👹

So, get this, right?
A whopping 79% of young people from Gen Alpha and Gen Z are all over social media. And here's the crazy part, only a teensy 10% would actually spill the beans to their folks if they're getting bullied online.

Can you believe that? 🤯

Now, we gotta get our ourselves ready to stand up to these online meanies.

First up, let's try getting into a bully's head. 🧠 Imagine getting an earful from a super grumpy customer. It's pretty rough, but it ain't about you, right? Same deal with these online trolls.🧌

Here's the lowdown on six traits of an online bully you should know about:

1. The insecurity shadow 🌫️
Bullies are like those funhouse mirrors, reflecting their own insecurities. They're basically standing in their own shadow. So, remember, it ain't about you, it's all about them. How pathetic!

2. Anonymity armour 🦾
The internet's like a giant costume party. Behind every mean comment is someone hiding, someone who wouldn't have the guts to say it face-to-face. Sad, really.

3. The power play 🕹️
Some trolls get a kick out of making others feel small. But it's like a cheap video game - it's lame and it doesn't last. Real strength? That's all about lifting others up.

4. The echo chamber effect 👂
Some trolls just parrot the negative stuff they've heard elsewhere. It's like a broken record, and it ain't your kid's job to fix it. Boring!

5. Misery loves company 👭
Trolls are often pretty miserable and they want others to join their pity party. But you should not RSVP (sign up) to that sad fest.

6. The jealousy jab 😡
Sometimes, it's just a plain old green-eyed monster. But remember, jealousy's like chugging poison and waiting for the other guy to get sick. Stay clear! Stay “healthy”!

Let's get these traits down and figure out how to deal with all the drama of online chats.

Stay tough and keep shining! 🌟

21/02/2024

What is the main way you speak out these days? When you want to talk to a friend, what do you do? You message them. 📲

You whip out your phone and go on Messenger, Snapchat, and maybe if you are a dinosaur, their phone number.

What is the main way we share something with the world?🧐
We turn to Facebook, we turn to Instagram, and maybe, if we’re “being real”, we turn to… BeReal.

Is this good for you? Or is it better to find your voice face-to-face? 👥
Where is your voice in a world that is surrendering to iPhones and reels?

We’re not just motivated to look good. It’s easy to look better than you do in real life, both literally and physically, on Instagram. After all, we all know about the apps that exist to sharpen your features and improve the way you look. 🙌

Yet as humans, we don’t just want to look “good”. Deep down, we want to be seen for who we truly are as well. And we want to be loved for it. ♥️

Many philosophers and psychologists have noticed these two motivations at work. (to be cited as footnote: Goffman, 1959; McKenna & Bargh, 1999; Swann, 1983).

Over a decade ago, Facebook introduced the Timeline feature to ensure people don’t manipulate their own identity too far from the past. And now, BeReal is out taking the battle to Instagram. This beast was designed to counter the falseness of Instagram, and we’ve all seen how. Out there, critics of the app say while the content is more real, it’s more mundane and more boring. And who wants boring? 😑

It’s important to get away from yourself.

Maybe, we can be authentic beyond a mundane photo by using our voice on the beauty around us. Use your voice to make your dreams real, and better the community. At this moment we are most ourselves.

We feel welcome and at home in the online world these days.

Bargh, McKenna, and Fitzsimmons (2002) note that people may feel more comfortable expressing themselves online rather than face to face. They may feel judged in their face-to-face network.

Let’s deal with this! 🤝

Get comfortable with your dreams and individual desires.
Feel free to make them known in the world around you.
You are to be loved.
And the world is waiting to hear what you have to say!

21/02/2024

The benefits of social media 🤨

To be clear, “social media” means the whole set of things we use on our devices to connect and talk online. These apps have become so involved in real life that frankly, we’re starting to accept they’re here to stay. Listen, it’s not all bad. It’s rather beautiful. 👍

At Voix, we challenge the negativity and pause for a moment to remind ourselves of the good things about social media. 👇

First, CONNECTION. 🔌

You are intimately connected to thousands of others.
From photos, to videos, to details, you can find out about others.
You can message a professional on Linkedin.
You can message a friend at any time.
You can rebuild bridges and connect with new contacts instantly.
It’s extremely easy to figure out what the rest of the world is doing.

This might be why more teens report that social media is an antidote for loneliness. 💊
No doubt there is a community for everyone, every little quirk. This is beautiful, for if you never see others like you, you may start to wrongly feel you are different from the human family.

Secondly, KNOWLEDGE 📖

At your fingertips, you can find most facts and most times, anywhere in the world. There has, of course, been the criticism that a lot of this data is misinformation. That’s a frightening prospect. Yet there's a lot of academic information and videos out there on every topic imaginable.

SHARING YOUR VOICE 🗣️

You know now of generations of YouTubers, Streamers, and TikTokers who have become the main voices around the world. This is all due to the technology.

There are now universities on how to grow your profile online; there are debates and judgments of who says the right things. And then, millions are listening.👂

For how many movements have started from a video or a voice somewhere in this universe? This is a tremendous opportunity for young people that leads to political and musical miracles.✨

There are risks, though❗
We have mentioned before that these unfamiliar environments are still lands where what you say and do may remain forever. So, tread carefully, and rehearse your self-expression with your close ones.

Reference: www.verywellfamily.com/benefits-of-social-media-4067431

19/02/2024

Accept it. 🫡
What, you may ask?
Lots of things.

You’re getting told to accept things - your ability to not go out and party, your curfew, the need to rock up to school every day.

Maybe you want to go out one night and meet some friends, and your parents say, “nope, you’ve got to do this instead. Accept it.”✔️

Well, it’s bloody annoying, isn’t it? 🙄 When you really want to do something, you’ve got your hopes set on it, you’re raring to go, and then something comes along and stands in your way. 🙅 And you’re just forced to “accept it”?

Part of this is the result of being young. 🧒
You are young, full of energy, desire, and deep down, confidence.
You know you can change the world and believe me, you do. 🦸

Yet as a young person with a fresh and wild way of looking at things, you’re going to come up against resistance in the adult conventions that surround you. There’s going to be pushback!🫷

And if your idea is worth sticking it out, that’s ok! But you’ve got to pick your battles, and be careful not to burn out trying to resist every little rule that strangles your movement.

Use your energy at the right times. 💪
Such times are when you develop RESILIENCE, too.

Resilience is that clay inside you that’s fired when you stick something out, despite challenges and knocks and bumps. It is a brilliant quality you would have heard so much about, and believe me, you are meant for it too. There’s no way of getting through this world and finding what you want without finding resilience! Most of the adults around you have it, in their own way.

Learn from them, and at the moment you really decide something’s for you, keep to your plan! 🗓️
Those around you may notice and nod their head. But the most important result is inside you: your self-respect grows. 😉

These are two important qualities, ACCEPTANCE, and RESILIENCE, that will come to define your youth and future. And the difference between letting go and hanging on to your plan is a decision that’s up to you to make. Talk to others, seek advice, and think clearly about what you want to do with your sacred energy.🔋

After all, it can’t be everything… it might just be something extraordinary.

And go for it!

15/02/2024

Reflecting on the topic of eating disorders. 🍽️

Here are some things you can do to better your eating habits 😊

- Don’t skip meals, try to eat every 4-5 hours
- Plan ahead for meals; keep your pantry full of healthy foods in case you need to eat and time is limited
- Drink at least 8 glasses or 2 liters of water daily
- Limit high sugar beverages such as juice and soda
- Go for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week, and your normal activities should not be included in that time
- Eat at least four servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables each day
- Eat three servings of non-fat or low-fat dairy or dairy substitutes. Examples include skim or non-fat milk or almond milk, yogurt, and cheese.
- Eat six servings of whole grains. Examples include whole-grain cereal, 100% whole wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain English muffins, or tortillas.
- When you are eating, be mindful and focus on the food. Don’t study or watch television as you eat. You may find you feel fuller and more satisfied.

Do something you enjoy at least once a day. Take a hot bath or shower or listen to some good tunes! 🎶

13/02/2024

At your age, everyone starts to think more and more about fitting in with a social group and maybe gaining the respect of others. 🤨

This can lead to a focus on body weight or shape.
And that can then result in an obsession with food...

It is not only teenagers who may be affected though. Eating disorders affect people of all ages and ethnicities. 👭🧑‍🤝‍🧑👬👫

It is also possible that the development of an eating disorder is influenced by cultural pressure and genetics.

There are different types of eating disorders.
The most common are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Remember, all of these have significant health consequences. ⚠️

These include👇

- Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure
- Risk of heart failure
- Decreased bone density
- Muscle loss and weakness
- Severe dehydration
- Severe constipation
- Fainting
- Fatigue and overall weakness
- Dry hair and skin
- Hair loss
- The growth of a downy layer of hair (lanugo) all over the body
- Low body temperature
- Reversible and irreversible brain damage and health

In the end, it is important to refer those with eating disorders to treatment. 🩺
This could include nutritional education and counseling and support groups. 🫶
Treatment is long-term and expensive, so it is important to address the issue as soon as possible.

If you can, make an effort to be there for them and listen to their concerns. 🤔
You can refer them to the following number, the WA Eating Disorders Outreach and Consultation Service:
☎️ 1300 620 208.

12/02/2024

Drugs and alcohol ⚠️

Unfortunately, if you are the kind of person who loves to drink, do drugs, and all the rest of it, you will find you are at higher risk for a set of tragedies. 🩹

Ma*****na and alcohol are bad for brain development. 🧠

There may be legal issues. 🚔

And what is more, you may do something crazy and dumb (heck, you may have done this already) that you would never normally do, and it could lead to something horrific, from a car crash to an issue from unprotected s*x, to anything.

It is not all bad.

After all, we cannot judge you - we do not know why you are doing drugs. ❓

Are you running from something terrible?
Are you just trying to have fun?
Are you trying to fit in?
Are you trying to explore the universe within your mind?
As you ride the crest of youth, all these motives appear natural, even strong, like you’re in a film.
But you may want to dial it back as you think about the future you, and the life they would like to lead.

Always make the most of this life! 🙋

Clear your head. 💆‍♂️

Let’s establish some clear signs that what you’re doing is really to fill the void of a deeper problem. 🕳️

If this is true, you may want to ask someone for advice or help. 🗣️

They, like us, actually want to hear your individual story, your motives, and get to know you.
They really care! 🤝

Your risk-taking or impulsiveness reflects a sudden change in behavior.
You draw away from family and friends.
You don’t go to school, miss assignments and your marks go down.
You don’t eat or sleep enough… or you do these too much!
Your appearance and hygiene have gone down.
You talk about su***de and death (and this includes in a joking way).
Ultimately, you’re young and you may find yourself hopping behind the wheel of a dangerous race car. 🏎️

Is it you? 🫵

Have you found your voice? 🗣️

Finally, are you treating yourself with respect? 💓

08/02/2024

It’s a difficult situation. 😐

Here are some tips 👇

1. Ask them, in a non-judgmental way, if they are thinking about su***de. This could begin a broader dialogue. Don’t promise to keep their answer a secret.

2. Be there. This could mean being present or on the phone. You could be a buffer for them in their time of distress.

3. Keep them safe. 🦺 Ring a helpline if you are unsure what to do. Ask yourself if they have determined a su***de plan, and if so, remove the risks that you can from their access.

4. Help them connect. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Introduce them to helplines, support groups, safety plans, and even counseling and consultation if you can.

5. Follow up with them after your initial conversation. 🫂 This reduces the risk, and it also reinforces their feeling of connectedness at this scary and risky time.

You’ve heard it all a million times - there are many helplines out there.
Let’s wrap up with a full list:
👉 https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/getting-help/helplines/ 👈

We also found Reach Out very informative and useful: https://au.reachout.com

07/02/2024

Self-harm is not limited to su***de. 🙅

There are different behaviors for harming yourself. A difference to remember is that someone who self-harms still sees a future of living. 👁️

It’s important to recognise this is different from someone trying to die.
You may find self-harm confusing 😵‍💫

From what we understand, the reason for self-harm has to do with the brain. 🧠
The parts of the brain that deal with pain experience emotional and physical pain at the same time.
So, when someone self-harms, there is a rise in physical pain and then a drop. ☹️
This results in a brief drop in emotional pain, giving some relief to the person in their turmoil.😰
The self-harm may also restore a sense of control or be a way of punishing themselves for self-loathing.

If someone you know is self-harming, you should reach out! 🗣️

It is dangerous and can be helped. 🤝

It can escalate beyond control and lead to serious harm. ☝️

05/02/2024

Everyone is aware of the tragedy of su***de.
It may have affected those you know.
It is important to know the signs. 👀

If you see these and tell the right people, you may save a human life. 🤝

Here are behaviours to make you think 👇

- Talking about death or su***de
- Lacking interest in the future
- Dropping out of activities
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Giving away prized possessions
- Taking risks
- Saying goodbye like they won’t see you again
- Risk factors

It is more likely for someone to su***de given certain behaviours 👇

- Access to guns and pills
- Drug and alcohol use
- Previous su***de attempts
- Feeling alone
- Feeling angry
- Trauma and neglect
- Loss of a parent or parental fighting
- Exposure to bullying
- Family history of su***de

How to help?

Ask questions. 🧐 Ask them if they are thinking about death or hurting themselves.
Encourage them to get help! And offer to help them find it! 🤝

Know it’s not your job to take the place of a therapist.
Remove dangerous items from them and ask their parent or guardian to help.
Do not make light of suicidal comments or thoughts. T
ake all threats seriously.

⭐ Ultimate message ⭐
It is difficult to feel so bad that you would want to leave this world. It is not easy to see someone you love hurting. 😓 The thing is, it is not for you to solve the problem on your own. You may try, and you may help. Your help is appreciated. 💕 You are appreciated. But the best course of action is to refer them to someone trained to deal with the situation. 🗣️

Here is a link to a template you may find useful on your journey: www.sprc.org

Voix - Find Your Voice

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