In 2012, Jerry joined the video game company Riot Games as their Chief HR Officer. During his time there, the company grew tremendously, and so did the video game industry as a whole. Jerry observed as video game companies went from creating fun products to addicting products. He saw the ways in which games evolved from being enjoyable pastimes into monetization machines.

After witnessing the effects of technology on society and mental health, Jerry decided to become a licensed therapist to make a meaningful impact on his community. Jerry warns against ignorance over the potential of AI and how to properly engage with AI. We discuss the somber reality of companies choosing profits over ethical practices and how we can counteract those negative affects through simple community gatherings - maybe even a game of Dungeons & Dragons.

Topics we cover:

• Evolution of the video game industry
• Profit vs. Ethics
• Social media and technology bans in China and Australia
• Becoming a licensed mental health counselor
• Board games and roleplaying games
• Technology free spaces
• Using AI wisely

Guest Links:Jerry's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ProchazkaPontificates/ Jerry's AI consulting services for small businesses: Strategy & The Machine

References:

• Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation (a book about technology and its affects on Gen Z's mental health)
• Tristan Harris' nonprofit: Center for Humane Technology

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