As video games continue to evolve and become more immersive, players often find themselves becoming emotionally invested in the characters they control. In some cases, this can lead to surprising moral sensitivities that extend beyond the virtual world of the game.
One of the ways that being bad in a video game can make us more morally sensitive is through a phenomenon called “emotional contagion.” This refers to the idea that our emotions are contagious and can affect those around us, both in real life and in virtual worlds. In other words, when we become emotionally invested in a character or situation in a game, we may start to see things from their perspective, leading to a greater understanding of their motivations and actions.
For example, let’s consider the popular video game “The Last of Us.” In this game, players take on the role of a man named Joel, who must navigate a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangerous creatures called clickers. Throughout the game, Joel is forced to make morally ambiguous decisions that often lead to difficult consequences.
However, despite these choices, players may find themselves becoming emotionally attached to Joel and his mission. As they continue to play, they may begin to see things from his perspective, leading them to question their own moral compass and the decisions they have made in real life. This emotional contagion can lead to a greater sense of empathy and understanding, as players are forced to confront their own biases and assumptions about right and wrong.
Another way that being bad in a video game can make us more morally sensitive is through the use of moral dilemmas. These are situations where there is no clear-cut right or wrong answer, forcing players to consider multiple factors and weigh the pros and cons of their actions. By presenting players with these types of scenarios, games can help them develop critical thinking skills and become more morally conscious in real life.
For example, let’s consider “Bioshock Infinite,” a game where players take on the role of a protagonist named Booker DeWitt. Throughout the game, Booker is presented with multiple moral dilemmas that force him to make difficult decisions. These decisions often have significant consequences, leading players to question their own moral values and consider the impact of their actions on others.
Research has shown that playing games that present moral dilemmas can actually help players develop a greater sense of empathy towards others in real life after playing the game.
In addition to emotional contagion and moral dilemmas, being bad in a video game can also help players develop a greater sense of self-awareness. When we make choices that are outside of our usual moral compass, we may be forced to confront the reasons behind those choices and consider how they align with our core values.
For example, let’s consider “Life is Strange,” a game where players take on the role of a high school student named Max Caulfield. Throughout the game, Max must make difficult decisions that often have significant consequences for herself and those around her. By forcing players to confront the impact of their actions and consider how they align with their values, “Life is Strange” can help players develop a greater sense of self-awareness.
In conclusion, being bad in a video game can have surprising moral benefits. Through emotional contagion, moral dilemmas, and self-awareness, games can help players become more morally conscious and empathetic in real life. As the gaming industry continues to evolve and become more immersive, it will be interesting to see how these moral benefits continue to shape and impact our society.
FAQs:
1. How does being bad in a video game affect our moral compass?
Being bad in a video game can force players to confront their own biases and assumptions about right and wrong, leading to a greater sense of empathy and understanding.
2. Can playing games that present moral dilemmas help us develop empathy?
Yes, research has shown that playing games that present moral dilemmas can actually help players develop a greater sense of empathy towards others in real life.
3. How does self-awareness factor into being bad in a video game?
Being bad in a video game can force players to confront the impact of their actions and consider how they align with their values, leading to a greater sense of self-awareness.