The federal government has spent more than $1 million to develop and test a web-accessible video game aimed at discouraging “binge drinking” among LGBTQ youth, according to a federal grants database.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) have approved $1,075,660 in grants since 2016; Inspired by Japanese role-playing games According to a federal grants database, web apps help reduce binge drinking among sexual and gender minority youth. The grant claims that LGBTQ youth “face higher rates of alcohol-related morbidity and mortality over the course of their lives.”
Federal spending records show the NIH spent $343,340 on game development from April 2016 to May 2019 and $732,320 on research into its effectiveness in alleviating bulimia from July 2023 to June 2028. promised to pay. The agency awarded both grants to the University of Pittsburgh. (Related: Biden State Department splashes taxpayer dollars on 'queer' Indian Muslim writer)
This grant defines sexual and gender minority youth as people under the age of 18 who identify as transgender, nonbinary, gay, bisexual, or lesbian.
The game includes turn-based combat, interaction with non-player characters, exploration and diary reading about the negative effects of bullying, and more. according to in a 2019 research paper related to one of the grants. NIH-funded researchers say gay youth who play the game end up taking on the role of “superhuman figures” who face discrimination at school “because of their uniqueness.” Become.
(Screenshot – Pilot testing the feasibility of a gaming intervention aimed at improving help-seeking and coping in sexual and sexual minority youth: Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol)
During character creation, the game asks players to choose six different pronouns.
(Screenshot – Pilot testing the feasibility of a gaming intervention aimed at improving help-seeking and coping in sexual and sexual minority youth: Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol)
Researchers claim that after playing the game, children are encouraged to adopt “productive coping strategies” and engage in “help-seeking behavior.”
Another study in 2021 associated with the grant tested the effectiveness of games to improve outcomes for sexual and gender minority youth across a wide range of areas. found Few results are significant. Researchers found little evidence that the game improved help-seeking behavior, promoted productive coping skills, or improved mental health.
However, the study found that playing games was associated with a “significant reduction in the frequency of binge drinking” and a reduction in “cyberbullying victimization.” However, these relationships disappeared after a 2-month follow-up period.
The authors of this study urged readers to be careful when interpreting their findings, calling their study a “feasibility study” and calling it “a feasibility study” and “no significant effects on secondary and tertiary outcomes.” “I don't have the authority to find out.”
A study funded by a recent NIH grant hypothesizes that playing games will reduce binge drinking after 3, 6, and 12 months.
Other grants related to gay youth disbursed by the Biden administration include more than $200,000 from the NIH to fund LGBTQ mentorship programs in June 2023 to prevent pregnancies among transgender boys. This includes nearly $700,000 from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Up to $1.7 million from HHS in September 2023 will be provided for programs such as LGTTQ youth counseling in July 2023.
The NIH did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation's request for comment.
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