About Game Matrix

The purpose of this website and the videos that will follow are to help people deal with the myriad roots of the turmoil gripping the United States at the present moment.

Abortion restrictions and the lack of effective control of gun violence trigger a range of societal issues, including obesity, mental health issues, the globalization of labor, and technological advancements. Diving into the intricate realm of human communication is like charting a course through treacherous waters, fraught with peril, confusion, and the occasional storm of bitter feelings.

Significant percentages of the population live on a precarious emotional edge due to various factors such as economic instability, social isolation, and mental health challenges. Economic uncertainty, including job insecurity and financial strain, can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear about the future.

Social isolation, exacerbated by urbanization and the rise of technology, can lead to feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and alienation from others. Additionally, mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma can further intensify emotional vulnerability, making it difficult for individuals to cope with daily stressors and maintain a sense of well-being.

Narcissism has been steadily increasing in America, while the average empathy score has steadily decreased. We know this from a Psychology Today article by Peter Gray, Ph.D. Researchers used questionnaires developed in the late 1970s, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), to assess narcissism and empathy. Over the years, they administered these questionnaires to many samples of college students, and the following document documents the stresses and strains.

Schadenfreude, or the joy of seeing others suffer, is not new but transforming society. Envy, resentment, moral judgment, and a sense of justice can all trigger schadenfreude. Researchers say there are three main reasons for the increase in schadenfreude: reactions to the pandemic, the increasing amount of narcissism, and the influence of social media.

Social media can amplify schadenfreude by making us dislike or dehumanize others and expose us to more opportunities to compare ourselves with them. This document details how Schadenfreude manifests anger and resentment.

Many Americans suffer from loneliness and social isolation. Americans are more socially isolated than ever. A 2021 Cigna survey shows that almost one in six people endure this. Lonely people hunger for connection and dodge in-person conflict but may act out on social media.

We aim to create a modern interpretation of "Games People Play." We are inspired to rejuvenate the Game Matrix to help individuals navigate complicated interactions with others. Unveiling the games within is vital to solving many of society's problems. Transactional Analysis (T.A.) is a method for understanding and enhancing communication and personality.

At the heart of Transactional Analysis lies the concept of games – repetitive, often hidden patterns of interaction that we employ to fulfill our psychological needs. Communication is the setting for these games. The dance of the ego states is how individuals switch between different ego states—Parent, Adult, and Child—and interact with each other in games.

Like scripts in a play, these games manifest in our communication, driven by varying emotions and motivations. They range from simple exchanges to intricate scenarios, revealing different communication styles. Games are recurrent, frequently concealed modes of interaction that people use to fulfill their emotional requirements.

Imagine a stage where our interactions are like scripted plays, with each of us playing distinct roles – the controlling Parent, the logical Adult, or the emotional Child. Communication is the stage where these games unfold.

The Parent ego state embodies messages absorbed during childhood, whether positive or negative, forming learned "shoulds" and "should'ts." The Parent ego state influences emotional responses during interactions with people. For instance, a Critical Parent might evoke anger or guilt in response to mistakes. At the same time, a Nurturing Parent may foster forgiveness and understanding. A supportive, Nurturing Parent can contribute to a positive self-image. At the same time, being a harsh, critical parent may lead to feelings of low self-worth.

The Adult ego state is a rational observer speaking logically and objectively. The Child's ego state, a playful soul, expresses itself emotionally and creatively.

Games arise when we unconsciously switch between ego states, leading to patterns of interaction that may not serve us well. For instance, a critical Parent triggers a rebellious Child response, perpetuating a cycle of negativity.

To communicate better, people need to recognize and understand these games. They can learn to stay in the adult ego state, which is clear, rational, and open-minded. This way, they can break the patterns and have more honest and positive interactions.

By delving into the intricacies of these games, we can transform communication from a scripted performance and improve how we interact with others. By cultivating self-awareness, we can learn to anchor ourselves in the adult ego state characterized by clarity, rationality, and openness. This shift allows us to break the patterns and engage in more honest, positive interactions.

Not all games in T.A. are inherently harmful. Some serve as coping mechanisms, helping us navigate complex social situations. Understanding these games allows us to make conscious choices, selecting scripts that align with our needs and goals.

This rationale is not the book – it is why this book is needed! This Rationale explores the myriad roots of the turmoil gripping the United States at the present moment.