A recent study by an assistant professor of communication design and her co-authors delves into the potential of serious games—video games with purposes beyond mere entertainment—to tackle critical social issues like school bullying. The research, published in Media and Communication, investigates how different perspectives within narrative-driven games can influence players' prosocial intentions. By examining player engagement, empathy, and decision-making, the study reveals that assuming roles such as a bully can enhance prosocial behavior toward victims. Two studies were conducted to explore these dynamics, highlighting the importance of perspective-taking in shaping player responses. The findings suggest that intentional game design can be a powerful tool for addressing real-world social issues.

Exploring Prosocial Intentions Through Gameplay

The research underscores the significance of player perspectives in narrative-driven games. When individuals assume the role of a bully and are given decision-making control, their empathy and prosocial intentions toward victims increase. This effect is driven by a sense of autonomy, deeper engagement with the game’s narrative, and heightened empathy toward non-player characters. These elements combine to create a transformative experience that encourages players to reflect on their actions and consider the impact of bullying from multiple angles.

Chen's study provides valuable insights into how game design can foster empathy and promote meaningful reflection. The first phase of the research highlighted increased engagement and empathy but did not directly predict prosocial behavior. However, in the second phase, where players were assigned only one role—either bully or victim—the differences in outcomes became more pronounced. This reinforces the idea that perspective-taking plays a crucial role in shaping player responses. By redesigning player interactions, the study suggests that games can encourage empathy and positive behavior change.

Advancing Social Issues Through Interactive Design

School bullying remains a pressing social issue, and this study offers a novel approach to promoting prosocial behavior through interactive experiences. The research demonstrates that intentionally designed games can serve as effective tools for addressing real-world challenges. Chen emphasizes that by creating immersive and empathetic gameplay scenarios, developers can inspire players to engage in thoughtful reflection and develop a greater understanding of the consequences of their actions.

Since joining Elon University, Chen has been actively involved in researching the psychology of communication technologies, including social media, artificial intelligence, and generative AI. Her work has garnered recognition, including the Best Paper Award at the Second International Symposium on Trustworthy Autonomous Systems. Through her ongoing efforts, Chen continues to explore innovative ways to leverage technology for social good, demonstrating the potential of serious games to make a tangible difference in addressing societal challenges.