While gamification can be a powerful tool, it can have a dark side if implemented poorly.

Over-emphasis on leaderboards and points can lead to anxiety and a fear of failure.

It can encourage 'gaming the system' where the focus is on winning, not on genuine learning.

Competition can turn toxic, leading to a negative and unsupportive classroom or work environment.

Extrinsic rewards, like points and badges, can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation to learn.

Students who consistently rank low on leaderboards can feel demotivated and discouraged.

The pressure to perform can lead some to cheat in order to maintain their ranking.

It's crucial that gamification design focuses on collaboration and personal growth, not just competition.

Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and the potential for addiction, must also be addressed.

This web story explores the potential pitfalls of gamification and how to avoid them.