What values do gamelike systems promote?

Gamelike systems promote several key values, which can shape user behavior and mindset. Some notable points include:

1. Pleasure and Immediacy:

   • Gamelike systems are designed to be highly pleasurable and engaging. This can lead to a heightened sense of satisfaction when adopting these systems, which makes them appealing and potentially addictive. It’s important to be cautious, as these pleasurable experiences might simplify complex real-world issues and provide quick fixes that aren’t always sustainable or true 1 2.

2. Simplification of Values:

   • These systems simplify the broader, often conflicting values in life by offering clear, measurable goals. This clarity can be both a relief and a danger. It offers a sense of progress and achievement through points and rewards, but it can also narrow one's focus, leading to an overly simplistic view of success and ignoring the broader picture 3 4.
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       Developing Game Mindfulness

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       Developing Game Mindfulness

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       The Value of Games

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       The Richness of Games

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       5

       Aesthetics of Process

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       Value Capture and Social Feedback

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       The Game Theory

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3. Hyper-Focus on Outcomes:

   • Gamification encourages a focus on achieving specific goals or scores, which can sometimes overshadow the process and the intrinsic value of the activity itself. This can reduce complex, rich activities to mere targets to be hit, potentially diminishing the broader experiences and learnings that come from engaging fully in the process 4 5.

4. Outsourcing of Value Deliberation:

   • The predefined value systems in gamelike structures encourage individuals to adopt external markers of success (like grades or social media metrics) rather than developing their own nuanced set of values. This can result in a loss of personal value deliberation and a shift towards conforming to easily quantifiable success metrics provided by the system 6 7.

Developing sensitivity and skepticism towards these systems is crucial. One should be aware of how these systems influence behavior and values, maintaining a balance between enjoying the structured pleasure they offer and critically evaluating their impact on personal development and broader societal values.