{"product_id":"addiction-by-design-machine-gambling-las-vegas-0691160880","title":"Addiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas","description":"\u003ch2\u003eKey Themes Explored\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Machine Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e A dissociative state where players lose self-awareness, leading to extended play and heavy losses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesigned for Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features like near-misses, variable rewards, and continuous play keep gamblers engaged.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEconomics of Addiction:\u003c\/strong\u003e The industry's focus on high-frequency, low-stakes machines ensures steady revenue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegulation and Ethics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tension between consumer protection and business interests in a digital age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is Addiction by Design?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlot machines, video poker, and other electronic gambling devices are not games of chance—they are meticulously engineered to hook players. This is the central argument of Natasha Dow Schüll's groundbreaking ethnography, \u003cem\u003eAddiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas\u003c\/em\u003e. Through years of fieldwork, Schüll introduces the \"machine zone,\" a trance-like state where time, money, and bodily needs fade away. Design choices in the gambling industry are calculated to exploit psychological vulnerabilities and maximize profits.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNatasha Dow Schüll is a cultural anthropologist whose research focuses on technology's role in daily life, particularly in high-risk settings. Her fieldwork in Las Vegas cos included interviews with gamblers, industry insiders, and regulators. \u003cem\u003eAddiction by Design\u003c\/em\u003e represents the culmination of this work, offering a critical perspective on the interplay between technology and behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy This Book Matters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn an era where technology incregly shapes our behaviours, understanding the mechanics of addiction is more critical than ever. \u003cem\u003eAddiction by Design\u003c\/em\u003e bridges anthropology, human-computer interaction, and public health. It challenges readers to consider how design can both help and harm. For anyone concerned about digital addiction—from social media to gaming—this book provides a sobering case study from the heart of Las Vegas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho Should Read This Book?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book is essential for scholars and students in anthropology, sociology, psychology, and human-computer interaction. Game designers and UX professionals will gain insight into the ethical implications of their work. Policy makers and addiction counsellors will find valuable context. Finally, anyone fascinated by the intersection of technology, culture, and human behaviour will find this a compelling read.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat format is available?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis listing is for the paperback edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat are the physical dimensions?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe book measures approximately 15.9 cm wide, 24.1 cm tall, and 3.8 cm thick. It weighs about 0.77 kg.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this book suitable for academic use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, it is widely used in university courses and research. It includes detailed notes and references.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThese statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, , or prevent any disease.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Princeton University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48338056216814,"sku":null,"price":89.82,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0816\/1158\/7822\/files\/71o8G4x67pL._SL1500.jpg?v=1784299769","url":"https:\/\/vitamin4ca.com\/products\/addiction-by-design-machine-gambling-las-vegas-0691160880","provider":"vitamin4ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}