Beware of Trading Apps That Feel Like Games, Suggests Finance Professor

Trading apps have made investing more accessible than ever, but a finance expert warns that their game-like features may encourage risky behavior among new investors.

Marius Zoican, an associate professor of finance at the University of Calgary, says features like confetti, achievement badges, and congratulatory messages can make investing feel like gambling.

In a recent experiment, his team found that users of a gamified platform traded more frequently and randomly compared to those on a standard platform.

Zoican stresses that trading more doesn’t mean making more money—especially when competing against professional traders with better tools and resources.

Instant Gratification and Financial Literacy

Calgary-based financial coach Jolie Viguers shares a similar concern, saying that young investors—like her own children—may be drawn into a dopamine-driven cycle of quick trades and instant rewards.

“Investing shouldn’t be about instant gratification. It is supposed to take time,” Viguers explains. She advises new investors to focus on financial education first, rather than chasing quick profits.

Experts recommend:
✔️ Speaking with a bank advisor
✔️ Taking free personal finance courses
✔️ Reading beginner investing books

With many young people turning to social media for financial advice, Viguers urges caution, advising investors to trust reliable sources with proper credentials.

While trading apps aren’t inherently bad, Zoican emphasizes that users should stay aware of their behavior and avoid being influenced by gamified incentives that may lead to poor financial decisions.