In recent years, we see more video games “blaming” due to the rising number of mass shootings by increasingly younger offenders in the U.S. Most people believe that video games have played a verifiable role in instigating violent thoughts and actions, but the science linking video games to gun violence is lacking.
Advancements in leading technologies such as 3D printing service and mobile phone apps have inspired groundbreaking societal changes. And video games have not been left behind. Developers are constantly working on launching the next big thing, which means finding ways to entice and hook players.
While some leading psychological organizations in the United States believe that young people should avoid violent video games because they may lead to aggressive behavior, the evidence has never supported this claim. So, what is the socialization hypothesis of these virtual pastimes on morality? Read on as we try to answer this question.
Hedonic and Eudaimonic Experiences
To keep everyone on the same page, we’ll begin by looking at how we experience video games. To do this, we must define two gaming terms in the simplest terms possible: Eudaimonic and hedonic experiences.
Eudaimonic experiences are derived from meaning and purpose, whereas hedonism is attained through pleasure and enjoyment. But what do they have to do with morality and gaming?
Most video game genres are designed to provide entertainment and enjoyable challenges, which means that most developers strive for hedonistic emotional experiences in digital play.
To overcome moral challenges, players will (most likely) rely on eudaimonic appreciation. The players experience a mixed effect influenced by both positive and negative emotions. And, believe it or not, the majority of people prefer a morally challenging video game over a non-moral one.
What Experts Have Say
The adage “monkey see monkey do” has become a popular go-to for critics. We have seen a backlash in mainstream media to demonstrate the negative impact of video games on moral conviction.
On the contrary, scientific evidence suggests that playing a video game does the opposite – It improves moral reasoning. The way a player handles an ethical quandary in-game reveals a lot about their innate perceptions. When players solve such problems, they demonstrate a more remarkable ability to reason along moral lines.
What About Differences in Sex, Gaming, and Morality?
Many studies on the sexes have been conducted. Sex differences in gameplay indicate a difference in morality (not forgetting other factors). According to some video game statistics, females in general:
- Played for fewer hours
- Less violent games are preferred.
- Apply more emotion when gaming.
Using this model to assess the impact on morality leads to an unavoidable conclusion. Males who play video games regularly have a higher level of moral reasoning, although females have more moral development.
In Summary
Like SLA 3D printing and instant messaging apps, online gaming is currently at an all-time high. It’s no secret that when players are confronted with moral quandaries, virtual worlds become more interesting. Almost all new video game releases in 2021 force players to make choices shaping their gameplay.
According to recent video game news, the impact on moral development is still debatable. After all, there is evidence that video games have positive influences and relationships with morality.