New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

January 8, 2009

Is your copy of Grand Theft Childhood getting a bit lonely up there on the bookshelf?

If so, new book by psychiatrist and gamer Dr. Kourosh Dini might make a great companion piece.

Video Game Play and Addiction: A Guide for Parents addresses the controversy over game addiction, examines the impact of video games on children, and provides advice for parents who are “overwhelmed and under informed about the games their children play.”

Of his book, Dini said:

Games have lots of benefits, which unfortunately, parents aren't always aware of when the only games they're exposed to are the controversial violent ones targeted to more mature players. Age appropriate multi-player video games can allow children to learn how other people think - a key aspect of empathy. Games can also help a child become more comfortable with new and ever progressing technology...

To be sure, there are those who play problematically. Learning how to tell the difference can be critical toward promoting healthy development.

Comments

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Alevan on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 11:32.

Huh. I've been wanting to pick up some books to read and this might be a good one to look into. I'll be taking a trip to my local book store when I get the chance.

Amy Levandoski

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Derovius on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 12:00.

Make sure to get one on the DRM too, and any others that are in regards to topics you have no understanding of but continue to comment about.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Shadow D. Darkman on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 20:00.

(Inspired by Ashton. Kudos, brother!)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Game on, brothers and sisters." -Leet Gamer Jargon

-----------------------------

"A Chrono Trigger is anything that unleashes its will or desire to change history!" -Gaspar

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Kincyr on Sat, 01/10/2009 - 13:36.

"An Internet troll draws near!"

Dragon Quest troll FTW!

岩「…Where do masochists go when they die?」

岩「…」

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Shadow D. Darkman on Sat, 01/10/2009 - 20:32.

And to think we have Toriyama-sensei to thank.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Game on, brothers and sisters." -Leet Gamer Jargon

-----------------------------

"A Chrono Trigger is anything that unleashes its will or desire to change history!" -Gaspar

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Wolvenmoon on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 21:24.

Is it just me or do most of the people writing about video games and championing/combating them know absolutely nothing about them?

Maybe this is different, I don't know, it sounds like another book written to profit off of a controversy with no real sources, or one source repeated over and over.

All things in moderation. An entire martini is fine for most people, some should avoid it. For the vast majority of the population, a large bottle of vodka is not a one night drink.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Mr. Stodern on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 18:50.

I didn't realize empathy was something that could or had to be learned. And I don't think it's necessarily a good thing that anyone has empathy for something that isn't alive and doesn't feel anything, such as a fictional character in a video game. Sure, I've felt guilty while stealing or killing in various games (like the Elder Scrolls games), but when I see an NPC drop the floor after I deplete it's health meter, I don't feel like I just killed someone, and I shouldn't. Just seems a tad unhealthy to me.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Derovius on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 16:12.

This is where Alevan comes in and says hitting children upside the head makes them more empathic.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Sage on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 16:18.

More stupid maybe... And the world really doesn't need anymore of those types.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Meggie on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 15:00.

Age appropriate multi-player video games can allow children to learn how other people think - a key aspect of empathy.

That's the first I've heard someone make this claim, normally I hear critics claiming video games lead to apathy. There is merit to it, considering you're interacting with real people in a controlled environment.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by ZippyDSMlee on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 14:09.

I felt bad for the guys in Dues ex half of the fodder are jsut fools lead on by master minds...thus why I loved MR traq dart.....oh....those were the days....

Why is it I always have unhealthy relations with fictional characters.......

Shearing/Downloading will never be a mainstream market.

Gore,Violence,Sexauilty,Fear,Emotion these are but modes
of transportation of story and thought, to take them from
society and you create a society of children and nannys

---

http://zippydsm.deviantart.com/

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Darmoth on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 14:47.

"Unhealthy relations with fictional characters" . . . Lara Croft?

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by deuxhero on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 11:16.

Really? I never felt empathy for the stormtroopers I bisected.Neither did I feel any for the ones I shoved down bottomless pits... or the ones I drained the life energy of... or...

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by E. Zachary Knight on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 11:30.

They are talking about multiplayer games. You know, the ones where you interact with other real people. By observing how they react in gaming situations, you can gain understanding of what goes through their minds. That is the first step towards empathy.

E. Zachary Knight
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/okceca
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1325674091

E. Zachary Knight
Divine Knight Gaming
OK Game Devs
Random Tower

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by insanejedi on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 12:59.

Or apathy...

"STFU U NUB!"

"OMG your so gay!"

"Your a *** you know that? No one likes you!"

and finally

"MOM I WANT MY CHOCOLATE MILK!!!!"

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Geoff on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 11:38.

Yeah, but how many friendships have been destroyed by Contra?

"Damn, I died a third time. Let me get one of your lives."

"Well...alright..."

"Ok cool...argh, I fell into a pit. I'm gonna take another one."

"Stop stealing my lives you bastard!"

Hehehe, good times, good times.

Tea and cake or death! Tea and cake or death! Little Red Cook-book! Little Red Cook-book!

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Darmoth on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 14:57.

I remember nearly losing one because of Mortal K Combat III... Something about me playing as Noob Saibot and them never getting a chance to land a hit.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Derovius on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 10:35.

Anything outside of a scientific journal is a waste of one's time. Anyone can publish a book, regardless of its validity. Just look at Mein Kampf.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Shadow D. Darkman on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 13:09.

Godwin's Law, deoVIRUS.

For once, it actually works in our favor.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Game on, brothers and sisters." -Leet Gamer Jargon

-----------------------------

"A Chrono Trigger is anything that unleashes its will or desire to change history!" -Gaspar

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Derovius on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 14:32.

How is pointing out a book full of racist lies and propaganda related to Godwin's law? Mein Kampf has predates Nazi's, seeing as Hitler wrote it in prison before coming to power.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Darmoth on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 14:53.

I think using Out of Harm's Way might have been a better analogy than Mein Kampf. While both books contain enough lies that they should be labeled fiction, Out of Harm's Way has more to do with the topic at hand I believe.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Derovius on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 15:00.

I prefer to use hyperboles, they get peoples attention.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Darmoth on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 15:22.

True. It did get everyone's attention.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Shadow D. Darkman on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 19:39.

Only thing is, it's Nazi-related. Hence, Godwin's Law is invoked and this has long since been over.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Game on, brothers and sisters." -Leet Gamer Jargon

-----------------------------

"A Chrono Trigger is anything that unleashes its will or desire to change history!" -Gaspar

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by hayabusa75 on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 21:25.

A Nazi-related comment does NOT automatically mean Godwin's Law is applicable. If the comment is irrelevant or overly hyperbolic in using the Nazi reference, then Godwin's Law applies. I will admit that its level of appropriateness in a given situation is somewhat subjective, but it's not a black and white thing, either.

"There is no sin except stupidity." - Oscar Wilde

"De minimus non curat lex"

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Kincyr on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 14:42.

Godwin's Law isn't limited to Nazis, it applies to anything by Hitler, as it applies to Hitler himself

岩「…Where do masochists go when they die?」

岩「…」

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Brokenscope on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 15:49.

But he never made any comparison to Nazi's. He just used mein kampf as an example.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Kincyr on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 19:20.

Godwin's Law: "As [an Internet] discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one."

the Hitler part was fulfilled, by mentioning 'Mein Kampf'

岩「…Where do masochists go when they die?」

岩「…」

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Shadow D. Darkman on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 19:41.

He compared this new book to Mein Kampf, albeit indirectly, by calling both a waste of one's time.

Either way, Godwin's Law is invoked and this discussion is over.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Game on, brothers and sisters." -Leet Gamer Jargon

-----------------------------

"A Chrono Trigger is anything that unleashes its will or desire to change history!" -Gaspar

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Austin_Lewis on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 09:20.

Oh Andrew ma boi, you wouldn't happen to know if this is available at Barnes and Nobles?

I have errands to run out that way, so if you know if they sell it I'll make a stop.

I can always call, but I've never been on hold for less than 30 minutes there.

Re: New Book: Games Can Enhance Empathy in Children

Submitted by Andrew Eisen on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 12:19.

It is.

Andrew Eisen

Shout box

Cecil475: @PHX Corp - The dude's a moron who wouldn't know crap if it came up and kicked him.05/19/2013 - 6:36am

PHX Corp: http://kotaku.com/ea-sports-developer-calls-wii-u-crap-and-nintendo-wa-508481261 EA Sports Canada Moron calls Wii U 'Crap' and Nintendo 'Walking Dead'05/18/2013 - 11:42am

E. Zachary Knight: If the videos are of sufficient quality that people subscribe and watch regularly, then those let's players are providing a service that people want. That is the heart of capitalism. That is not something that should be shamed.05/17/2013 - 8:06am

E. Zachary Knight: I have no idea who either of those people are. However, I still don't see why making a business out of creating let's play videos is somehow evil or wrong.05/17/2013 - 8:04am

MaskedPixelante: It sure is if you're just doing it for the money. See Tobuscus and/or Pewdiepie for what happens when people get into it just for the money.05/17/2013 - 7:30am

E. Zachary Knight: Why is it wrong to make money doing LPs? Why should that be something that should be shamed?05/17/2013 - 6:20am

MaskedPixelante: https://twitter.com/PsychedelicSA/status/335183893214924801 Now here's an interesting, glass half full thought about the Nintendo LP thing. It outs the people who are just doing LPs to make money.05/17/2013 - 5:56am

E. Zachary Knight: I responded in writing to all this "let's play" stuff Nintendo Started. No need for my permission, I won't give it. It's not mine to give. http://divineknightgaming.com/?p=29205/16/2013 - 2:21pm

E. Zachary Knight: Lars Doucet of Levelup Labs has a Reddit going on game companies that allow monetization of Let's Play videos. http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/1egayn/lets_build_a_list_of_game_studios_that_allow/05/16/2013 - 1:04pm

Sleaker: @Imautobot - yah I wouldn't use an emulator as a good first run test of how stable the console is, haha.05/16/2013 - 11:47am

E. Zachary Knight: The 50th person to jump off a bridge is just as dumb if not dumber than the 1st.05/16/2013 - 10:03am

MaskedPixelante: Yeah, let's all jump on Nintendo for doing this, even though they're hardly the first company to do this...05/16/2013 - 9:47am

E. Zachary Knight: Wow Nintendo, this is wrong. http://kotaku.com/nintendo-forcing-ads-on-some-youtube-lets-play-video-50709238305/16/2013 - 8:44am

Imautobot: @Sleaker, further gameplay has revealed that the controller button do stick under the faceplate. Also, The NES emulator (Emuya)keeps crashing on me, though I think a bad ROM is causing it.05/16/2013 - 7:10am

Papa Midnight: AE: I wonder if any other publishers will follow suit.05/15/2013 - 8:12pm

Andrew Eisen: EA is ditching Online Pass. http://venturebeat.com/2013/05/15/ea-kills-its-controversial-online-pass-program/05/15/2013 - 7:20pm

Avalongod: @Zach and quicnkold...I've read the bill and the intent of it is to fear-monger. It's not a balanced message. I don't recall the ESRB being mentioned at all. It's more "keeps your kids away from these movies/games or they'll become violent"05/15/2013 - 4:35pm

E. Zachary Knight: quiknkold, The big problem with that legislation is the amount of misinformation out there. Who is going to ensure that the information in the pamphlet is accurate?05/15/2013 - 3:25pm

quiknkold: REBeardogg : I'm on the fence about this. on one side, I want parents to be aware of the ESRB, and even Movie Ratings. On the other hand, I feel this will be used for nothing but Propaganda. The ESRB does a good job.05/15/2013 - 3:07pm

IanC: Frostbite is coming out on iOS devices. Yet the Wii U cant handle it? *coughbullshitcough*05/15/2013 - 2:31pm

All shouts

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