How Do Video Games Influence Moral Decision-Making?
Video games have become a ubiquitous form of entertainment, engaging millions of people worldwide. As their narratives and mechanics become increasingly complex, video games often present players with moral dilemmas and decisions that can mirror real-life ethical quandaries. Understanding how video games influence moral decision-making is a growing area of interest within psychology, as it sheds light on the broader implications of interactive media on human behaviour and cognition.
The Role of Morality in Video Games
Many modern video games incorporate moral decision-making as a core element of their gameplay. Games such as The Witcher 3, Mass Effect, and The Walking Dead present players with choices that can significantly impact the game's narrative and the fate of its characters. These choices often involve ethical dilemmas, requiring players to weigh consequences and consider various moral principles, such as justice, loyalty, and utilitarianism.
It's important to recognize that video games don't always present players with black and white moral choices. Many games excel at creating complex scenarios where the most impactful decisions involve shades of grey. In these situations, the "right" answer depends on the player's values, priorities, and interpretation of the situation. This ambiguity can lead to rich discussions and diverse approaches among players, further highlighting the complexity of moral decision-making.
As an example; throughout The Witcher series, Geralt of Rivia, the protagonist, frequently encounters situations where he must choose between two undesirable outcomes. For instance, in the first game, he may choose to allow a vengeful spirit to slay a village or intervening and potentially freeing the wraith responsible for the initial tragedy. Here we see Justice and Empathy acting as moral weights. There's no perfectly good solution, forcing players to weigh the potential consequences of each choice.
Psychological Mechanisms
Moral Development and Cognitive Frameworks:
Video games provide a unique platform for exploring moral development, as proposed by Kohlberg's stages of moral development. Players' decisions in games can reflect their moral reasoning stage, from obedience and punishment orientation to more advanced levels like social contract and universal ethical principles.
Moral Disengagement:
According to Bandura's theory of moral disengagement, individuals can rationalize unethical behaviour by disassociating from the moral implications of their actions. Video games, by creating a fictional context, can facilitate moral disengagement, allowing players to experiment with decisions they might avoid in real life.
Empathy and Perspective-Taking:
Immersive narratives and character development in video games can enhance empathy and perspective-taking. When players are deeply engaged with characters, they are more likely to consider the emotional and moral implications of their choices, potentially fostering empathy and moral sensitivity in real-world contexts.
Empirical Evidence
Influence on Prosocial Behaviour:
Research by Greitemeyer and Osswald (2010) found that playing prosocial video games can increase prosocial behaviours in players. Their study demonstrated that individuals who played games involving helping behaviours were more likely to engage in altruistic actions compared to those who played neutral or violent games.
Moral Decision-Making Processes:
A study by Weaver and Lewis (2012) investigated how violent video games influence moral decision-making. They found that players often experienced moral dilemmas and emotions similar to real-life situations, suggesting that video games can serve as a simulation for moral decision-making processes.
Long-Term Effects on Morality:
The longitudinal effects of video game exposure on moral reasoning are still debated. Some studies, such as those by Gentile et al. (2009), suggest that repeated exposure to violent video games may desensitize players to violence and reduce empathy. Conversely, other research highlights the potential for video games to enhance moral reasoning through repeated engagement with complex moral scenarios.
Contextual and Individual Factors
Narrative Context:
The context in which moral decisions are presented in video games significantly influences their impact. Games with well-developed narratives and characters can create more meaningful moral dilemmas, leading to deeper engagement and reflection by players.
Player Characteristics:
Individual differences, such as personality traits, moral development stage, and prior gaming experience, can modulate how video games influence moral decision-making. For example, players with high empathy levels may be more affected by the moral content of games.
Cultural Influences:
Cultural background can shape how players perceive and respond to moral dilemmas in video games. Different cultural values and norms can influence the moral frameworks players bring to their gaming experiences, affecting their decisions and interpretations of game narratives.
Implications for Game Design and Education
Ethical Game Design:
Game designers have the opportunity to create experiences that promote ethical reflection and moral growth. By incorporating complex moral dilemmas and diverse perspectives, games can encourage players to engage in deep moral reasoning and empathy development.
Educational Applications:
Video games hold potential as educational tools for teaching ethics and moral reasoning. Serious games designed for educational purposes can simulate real-world ethical scenarios, providing a safe environment for students to explore and develop their moral decision-making skills.
Parental and Societal Roles:
Parents and educators should be aware of the potential impact of video games on moral development. Guiding young players and discussing the moral choices they encounter in games can help contextualize their gaming experiences and reinforce positive moral lessons.
Simply Put
Video games are a powerful medium that can significantly influence moral decision-making. Through immersive narratives and interactive dilemmas, games offer a unique environment for exploring ethical principles and developing moral reasoning skills. While the effects can vary based on individual and contextual factors, the potential for video games to contribute to moral development and prosocial behaviour is substantial. Continued research and thoughtful game design can harness this potential, making video games a valuable tool for ethical education and personal growth.