Thursday 08 October 14:30 – 16:00 YF6 Workshop.2 Room C Online games: beyond entertainment Many teenagers have become addicted to online games. While parents may seek to curb their use, this popular pastime can lead to more than just fun and games. Businesses are now using games to get feedback on new product lines, make major announcements, and build customer loyalty. Political activists have also gotten into the act. Games are used to mobilize voters and have succeeded in getting people to the voting booth, somehow breaking the magnetic attraction the computer seems to hold over many blurry-eyed users. Health activists have developed games to encourage good eating habits. How long will it be before companies selling harmful products like cigarettes or sugar-rich food will release games to attract new consumers? This mini-session explores the role of gaming for fun, business, health, politics and more. How can Youth Forum participants use gaming to advance their own agenda? How has gaming changed the way young people (and even some older ones) communicate? Workshop *Mr Michael Best, Assistant Professor, The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology (United States) Leader Experts *Professor Dennis Freezo, Chief Learning Scientist, Network Academy Learning Systems Development, Cisco Systems (United States) *Mr Michael Furdayk, Director of Technology, TakingITGlobal and ITU Youth Forum Alumnus WORLD TELECOM 2003 (Canada) *Mr Ahmed Ashour, ITU Youth Forum Alumnus, WORLD TELECOM 2006 (Jordan) 110