How games turn us into Starfighters | Jon Paul Maligalig | TEDxUPLB

Summary

The speaker delves into the intersection of video games, technology, and social empathy, using examples from films and games like 'Legion' and 'This War of Mine.' They discuss how these media challenge players to engage with complex issues such as social justice, empathy, mental illness, and the impact of technology on human behavior. Through storytelling and gameplay analysis, the speaker explores how these experiences can teach critical lessons about morality, social empathy, and personal responsibility, urging a more profound understanding of the real-world implications of these themes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker discusses the influence of science fiction and video games on understanding social empathy and moral dilemmas.
• 😀 The importance of social justice and the role of context in teaching it are emphasized, as well as how technology can impact our perceptions.
• 😀 The idea of using games as a tool for social empathy is presented, where players experience different social situations and develop empathy for others.
• 😀 Video games like 'This War of Mine' are cited as examples where players must make moral decisions to help characters survive in a harsh environment.
• 😀 The script touches on how modern technology, including video games, can simulate real-world scenarios, offering new perspectives on social issues.
• 😀 Social empathy is linked to understanding others' situations and is important for combating prejudice and violence in society.
• 😀 Mental illness is discussed as an important aspect to understand within the context of games, where it is often portrayed as something more complex than just a flaw.
• 😀 A critique is made on how some games reflect societal issues, with an example of how leadership and mental health can impact a group’s dynamic and decision-making.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of not oversimplifying complex social or political issues and advocates for a deeper, critical examination of history and context.
• 😀 A reference is made to the ethical complexities seen in historical events, encouraging the audience to approach them with a critical mindset rather than a simplistic perspective.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the transcript?

The main topic is how science fiction influences contemporary video game design and how video games can affect social empathy, mental illness awareness, and human behavior.

What is the specific science fiction movie referenced in the transcript?

The movie referenced is about a character named Alex who discovers that a secret video game is actually being used by aliens to simulate human experiences.

How does the speaker relate video games to social empathy?

The speaker connects video games to social empathy by discussing how they can help players understand others' experiences, thus fostering a sense of empathy toward various social issues, such as racism and prejudice.

What is the significance of the term 'social empathy' in the transcript?

'Social empathy' refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, not just on an interpersonal level but within the broader social context, helping to address social justice and human rights issues.

What role does technology play in the discussion?

Technology is presented as both a separator and a bridge in society, with the ability to impact interpersonal relationships and empathy. The speaker suggests that technology can influence how individuals relate to one another and their understanding of different social situations.

What example does the speaker give to illustrate a game that encourages moral decision-making?

The speaker mentions the game 'This War of Mine,' where players control civilians trying to survive in a war-torn city, making moral decisions that affect their survival and the survival of others.

What is said about mental illness in the transcript?

Mental illness is discussed as something that should not be stigmatized. The speaker emphasizes that mental illness is often misunderstood and should not be seen as a flaw but as a complex issue that needs empathy and understanding.

How does the speaker view the portrayal of mental illness in video games?

The speaker critiques the portrayal of mental illness in video games, urging that it be presented more thoughtfully and accurately, acknowledging the complexities of the condition and avoiding harmful stereotypes.

What is the speaker's perspective on empathy and leadership in relation to video games?

The speaker suggests that video games can teach players about leadership and the complexities of empathy by presenting moral dilemmas and the consequences of their choices, especially in high-pressure situations.

What is the significance of the 'Necronomicon' reference in the transcript?

The 'Necronomicon' is used as a metaphor to illustrate how stories and experiences from games or media can shape our understanding of the world, making players question their views on morality, politics, and society.