Galactostack: A 3-In-1 Stack Game for Tackling Social Media Addiction in Children Post-pandemic

Abstract

After the global coronavirus pandemic, children are using social media a lot more than usual, and this worries parents because it might not be good for their minds, feelings, and bodies. ‘Galactostack’ is a novel game that attempts to reduce this addiction by employing interactive elements and gamification. Instead of children spending too much time on social media, they can play this game which is fun and educational. The game combines three unique parts: a game to play, things to learn, and elements to make them feel better. The idea is to keep them engaged and happy, so they do not use social media and reduce screen time. This study discusses the core concepts of the game, its features, and how it could positively impact children’s online behaviour, reactions and emotions. User evaluation and feedback show positive results: children became more aware and felt more engaged after playing the game. In the post-pandemic era, this design approach offers an innovative and practical way to reduce the adverse impacts of social media addiction. It helps children build healthier connections with technology and the people in their lives.