Building homes, advancing in careers, house parties with friends while raising a family are all apart of the levels and stages of stimulation video game “The Sims”. With the implementation of reward systems for motivation purposes, gaming can be translated to real life. Or can’t it? Some people are wondering “what impact (if any) do virtual reality/life stimulation games have on human behavior?
“FPG (First Person Gaming)” by Luke Hayfield Photography is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Gaming is popular amongst children and adults and it is important that we recognize virtual reality games in fact does have an effect on human behavior. Reward systems and stimulation games can be used for motivation and can be translated into real life goals and rewards. On the other hand, some gamers can get so entangled in the Virtual Reality world that it becomes hard for them at times to separate the two.
With Sims, you’re not driving down the street with your friends looking for an opponent to “take down” and steal their vehicle. Unlike many other crime enhanced video game, your Sims character goes to work and earn a paycheck. After your money accumulates your sims character builds a home and trade in their hoopty after a job promotion. Then there’s the next level, where they may meet someone, spend time with them until the hearts explode on your screen over your characters and magically there is marriage and kids! Sounds like real life right? But what if you aren’t traditional? What if you don’t build your house, but instead you have a roommate in NYC? What if you don’t go to work and party too hard so as a result you’re laid off? The sims shows you that side of reality too! Cavalcanti et al., (2021) ,argues that “Several studies have reported the success of games for learning and skill development…. and can be key to personal motivation [26,44,45,46]. ” This point can be easily supported by anyone who has worked in occupation where you had to reach a monthly goal to maintain employment or be crowned “Employee Of The Month”. So aren’t we all some type of Virtual Reality gamer? How about when we scan our QR code in Dunkin Donuts to gain a reward after 12 visits in a month? Or how upset I get after forgetting to use my Target circle reward code for my purchase to gain points and money back.
According to Rosenberg, et al., (2013), “the researchers found that prosocial game exposure was positively related to prosocial behavior and traits.” In other words, killing your sims by accidentally making them drown in the pool at a pool party doesn’t make your a killer necessarily!
Virtual reality games are more than just a downtime activity and bonding tool for gamers. Vogul (2019), explains in his TED Talk conference how “he and his team at the National Mental Health Innovation Center use virtual reality to expand mental health access in maximum security prisons, hospice centers and children’s hospitals.” He also discusses how virtual reality games can in fact improve mental health conditions.
Here is a clip of Vogul Ted Talk discussion, where at 8 minutes and 36 seconds, Vogul discusses treating patients with virtual gaming as a form of mediation.
Who would have thought that gaming can help individuals who struggle with mental health gain some calmness some perspective? Technology usually viewed as an enemy of mental health can be an aid to some who are struggling with mental conditions. A game like Sims can help stimulate individuals who are struggling to navigate through life. I am far from a “gamer” however, I have played games like Sims frequently growing up and also during my adult years, and oddly enough I can say Sims has helped with motivating and achieving my personal goals. I couldn’t wait to tell my best friend how far I’ve gotten with my sims and the purchases and changes I’ve made to my home. There was a time where we also was gotten a bit bored and discovered cheat codes to raise our virtual bank accounts to buy lavish things for our sims. According to Favis (2020), “Soon, what began as an architectural simulator morphed into an ambitious game focused on domestic life.” Do you think if games like Sims were offered in curriculums for teenagers in high school it can help them prepare for adult life? Just like how in some high school a drivers ed course is offered! I think it can def help the growth and preparation for teens. In some odd way while playing this game, it makes you realize something about yourself. One of the things I realized while playing was if I put this much effort into creating a character, picking a entry level career I love, then work hard at that job to get a promotion. Then I will be able to make money to buy things, I can do this in real life? Or can I? You live through your Sims an ideal lifestyle that can either motivate you or on the other hand have you bummed that you aren’t living the same lifestyle as your Sims character.
According to Stieg (2020), “Building a dream home and crafting characters in The Sims “gives you the sense that you can create a world and have control over the decisions that are made for that world”. This has some truth to it. But can you get so wrapped into virtual reality that it will be hard to relate or operate in the real world ? Studies show that depending on the game and how long it is played it can be a real escape from reality and too much of anything isn’t good for you. So what is my suggestion? I am no health expert or behavioral scientist who studies cognitive behavior, but I would suggest playing games like Sims in moderation. So you’re not too caught up and out of touched with reality. Too much of anything isn’t good for you!
There will always be a 50/50 split tie breaker on if video games have a negative or positive impact on human behavior. It can be for better or worse depending on how frequent you game and what you are playing. I am not saying replace all games on the store shelf with Sims but what I am saying is that virtual reality games that mimics everyday life can benefit a some individuals. Games made with reward systems, goals and levels for self motivation for people that needs an extra push can have some positive effects. Everyone def needs an extra push every now and again!
References
Cavalcanti, Valls, V., Contero, M., & Fonseca, D. (2021).
Gamification and Hazard Communication in Virtual Reality: A Qualitative Study. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 21(14), 4663–.
https://doi.org/10.3390/s21144663
Favis, Elise, (2020, February, 4).
How The sims navigated 20 years of change to become one of the most successful franchises ever
Rosenberg, Baughman, S. L., & Bailenson, J. N. (2013).
Virtual Superheroes: Using Superpowers in Virtual Reality to Encourage Prosocial Behavior. PLoS ONE, 8(1), e55003–e55003.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0055003
Steig, Cory, (2020). Why Video Games Like Sims and Animal Crossing are so soothing right now. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/24/psychological-benefits-of-the-sims-animal-crossing-during-covid-19.html
Vogul, Matt (Former professional juggler and stand-up comedian), 2019, January 5). How Virtual Reality Can Improve Your Health
