Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronny Mahoni
What you describe could be considered a psychological issue. In fact Im almost sure its called "co-dependancy", which means you feel bad for the bad state of affairs of others without being neither the cause nor the solution. This is a big issue and if it affects your life negatively, you should seek professional council.
Btw, should a psychologist feel guilty because he takes money from you because you have an issue (kinda the same as the bar owner or card player)?
I dont think its a matter of moral or at least not tied to poker. The sad truth is, you dont just simply become a degenerate because you play poker or start betting or slot machines or whatever. There have already been issues there before hand and these wouldve manifested in different ways, if it hadnt been gambling. They wouldve become alcoholics, drug abusers, beating their wives and kids...
If you want to feel responsible, then at least dont get eaten by guilt and regret. But rather be pro-active about it. Teach the next generation to become fulfilled humans so they dont have to become the next degenerate or something like that.
Thanks a lot for your comments. I have been regularly meeting a clinical psychologist, partly because of this issue (and some other issues which I will not disclose here).
Regarding "Btw, should a psychologist feel guilty because he takes money from you because you have an issue (kinda the same as the bar owner or card player)?" - I think a psychologist is providing a service which can be valuable to a client's mental health. But in poker, are "professional poker players" providing valuable services to losing players?
I strongly agree that, "you dont just simply become a degenerate because you play poker or start betting or slot machines or whatever." Indeed, according to Biolcati, Passini and Griffiths (2014) study on online poker players, 1.6%* of players (including both professional and recreational) met the criteria of "pathological gambling". It is a wide spectrum - some (especially richer players) play for fun (kind of a healthy entertainment), some players play for cognitive training, but unfortunately, 1% to 1x% of pathological gamblers are still lots of human beings - they need help.
*The prevalence is higher in some other studies, with different samples (e.g. college students sample) and different criteria
And yes, I have been discussing or educating others regarding the dangers of poker and moral issues of poker. One of my long-term goals is to conduct research of pathological gambling or gambling addiction, perhaps in the context of poker. Living a fulfilled life is important!