Can emotional engagement in digital games facilitate long-term moral development regarding equality and justice?
Moral development refers to the process through which an individual learns about right and wrong behavior, develops a set of personal values that guide their actions, and becomes more aware of societal expectations for appropriate conduct. This is a critical aspect of human development as it enables individuals to make ethical decisions based on principles such as fairness, respect, honesty, responsibility, compassion, and integrity. The traditional view holds that moral development occurs primarily within families and schools, where children learn from role models, rules, and social interactions.
Recent research suggests that digital games can also play a significant role in shaping moral attitudes and behaviors. Emotional engagement in particular has been shown to have a powerful influence on this process, as it allows players to experience and internalize different perspectives and ideas while playing.
Some digital games feature protagonists who defy social norms or challenge gender stereotypes, presenting players with diverse representations of characters and scenarios.
Games like "Life is Strange" and "The Last of Us Part II" offer players the opportunity to explore complex relationships between characters of different genders and sexual orientations, while others like "Bioshock Infinite" and "Watch Dogs Legion" highlight the negative consequences of prejudice and discrimination. Players may feel empathy for these characters, seeing the world through their eyes and experiencing their struggles firsthand. As they become invested in the storyline, players' beliefs about equality and justice are challenged, leading them to question their own assumptions and biases.
Emotional engagement in digital games can also facilitate long-term moral development by reinforcing positive values and encouraging players to apply them in real life situations. Many games emphasize teamwork, cooperation, and mutual support, teaching players how to work together towards common goals despite differences in background or identity. Others focus on justice and fairness, rewarding players for taking action against corruption or exploitation. By immersing themselves in these virtual worlds, players may learn how to translate these principles into their everyday lives, becoming more aware of opportunities to promote equality and justice in their communities.
Emotional engagement in digital games offers a powerful tool for promoting moral growth and personal development. By providing a safe environment for exploration and self-reflection, these games can help individuals challenge their beliefs, expand their horizons, and cultivate a deeper understanding of social issues such as inequality and injustice.
Can emotional engagement in digital games facilitate long-term moral development regarding equality and justice?
Emotional engagement can lead to increased empathy towards others and higher motivation to act in a just manner when playing video games. These effects may be enhanced by factors such as narrative immersion or gameplay mechanics that encourage cooperative problem-solving. The literature suggests that these experiences have significant potential for influencing moral behavior in real life.