Podcast Summary
The appeal of violent video games lies in status seeking: People play violent video games to test skills, establish status, and compete within a social hierarchy
People play violent video games not just for fun, but also as a way to test their skills and establish their status within a social hierarchy. This theory is based on the observation that throughout history, and in the animal kingdom, social hierarchies have existed, with individuals at the top enjoying greater benefits. Violence is often used to maintain order in these hierarchies. In the context of video games, players can compete against each other, understand their place in the hierarchy, and continually test and improve their position. This sense of status seeking can explain the appeal of violent video games, as they offer a safe and controlled environment for individuals to engage in competition and hierarchy building. Additionally, research suggests that bullies and aggressors tend to target individuals who could potentially be within a similar status hierarchy, further emphasizing the role of status in violent behavior, whether in real life or in video games.
Equal playing fields in video games ensure fair competition: Equal playing fields in video games promote healthy competition by preventing external advantages from skewing perceptions of winners and losers, potentially impacting self-perception and future performance.
In certain types of games, like Battle Royale in Fortnite, the playing field is equal for all players, ensuring fair competition. This is significant because it prevents the perception of winners and losers being skewed by external advantages, which can impact self-perception and future performance. Research on animal behavior suggests that winners and losers may experience internal responses that affect their future competitiveness. However, the exact nature of these responses is not yet fully understood, especially in humans. While the Matthew Principle and power laws have been observed in nature, their impact on video games may be different due to the rapid iteration and self-perception elements involved. Overall, it seems that self-perception and the stories we tell ourselves may play a larger role in human competitiveness in video games than physical changes or hormonal responses.
Social status and validation in video games: People's desire for social status and validation in video games can impact their behavior and motivations. Losses in virtual environments can influence real-world actions, and individuals with a stronger drive for mates are more likely to play violent games.
Our desire for social status and validation, whether in the real world or in virtual environments like video games, can significantly influence our behavior and motivations. The evolutionary perspective suggests that individuals who experience losses in social hierarchies may be at a disadvantage, as they have less access to resources and potential mates. However, game designers balance wins and losses in video games to keep players engaged, making it difficult to study the effects of losses in a controlled way. Interestingly, individuals with a stronger drive to find mates are more likely to play violent video games, suggesting a connection between virtual and real-world status seeking. The lines between the virtual and real worlds are increasingly blurred, and our evolutionary responses to wins and losses in the real world are being hijacked in the virtual world, potentially leading to a disconnect between virtual and real-world successes. It's important to note that while virtual wins can provide a satisfying boost to self-perception, they may not translate directly into real-world gains in status or esteem.
Virtual skills and experiences: Complex relationship with real-world behavior: Some research suggests virtual skills can improve real-world abilities, but excessive use of screens and virtual experiences may hinder natural inclinations towards status seeking, team bonding, and reproductive fitness behavior
While there is some evidence suggesting that virtual skills and experiences, such as those gained from playing video games, can translate to real-world benefits, it's not a simple or straightforward relationship. Some research indicates that performance in certain video games can lead to improved project management and teamwork abilities in the real world. However, the confidence and status gained in virtual environments may not necessarily translate to real-life situations. Additionally, there are concerns that excessive use of screens and virtual experiences, including video games and pornography, could be sedating men and hindering their natural inclinations towards status seeking, team bonding, and reproductive fitness behavior. The reasons for this are complex and likely multifaceted, involving both individual psychological factors and the addictive nature of digital technologies. Overall, while there is ongoing debate and research on this topic, it's clear that the relationship between virtual experiences and real-world behavior is a complex one that requires further exploration.
Lost in a virtual competition? Choose violent games for power and control.: People's video game preferences can shift based on social experiences and emotions, with those who lost a competition more likely to choose violent games to regain status.
People's preferences for certain types of video games can be influenced by their experiences and emotions, particularly in the context of social interactions and status. In a study, researchers found that individuals who lost a virtual competition for a potential mate were more likely to choose violent video games as a way to regain lost status. This effect was not present for individuals who won the competition. The researchers suggest that this shift in preference may be due to the desire to experience power and control, which can be fulfilled through violent video games. The study also highlights the complexity of understanding the relationship between video games and individuals' personalities, as it may not map neatly to the five major personality traits. The researchers propose that feedback from personal experiences and social contexts can influence both video game preferences and personality traits over time. If researchers could conduct studies in partnership with popular video games like Fortnite or Warzone, they could gather more data on players' reactions, hormonal responses, and brain activity to further explore these intriguing findings.
Personality traits influence video game addiction: Extroverts may prefer games for social hierarchy, status seekers might opt for violent games, older individuals play fewer games, and men can exhibit sexist behavior online.
Individuals' personality traits, such as extroversion and status seeking, can influence their preference for and potential addiction to video games. Extroverted individuals may be more drawn to video games due to the self-perceived increase in value and social hierarchy they offer. Status seekers, specifically, may be more likely to play violent video games as a means to gain prestige. Research suggests that age and sex can also play a role in these behaviors. For instance, older individuals may be less concerned with status, leading them to play fewer video games overall. Additionally, studies have shown that men can be more aggressive towards women online when using female avatars, highlighting the sexist perceptions that can exist within gaming communities. These findings add to our understanding of why certain individuals engage in specific gaming behaviors and can inform efforts to address negative online interactions.
Impact of social hierarchies on player comments: Social hierarchies in multiplayer games affect the comments players receive, with those higher up experiencing larger downstream implications and disrupting the group's dynamics.
The treatment a player receives in a multiplayer game, rather than their own performance or gender, has a significant impact on the kind of comments they receive. This is due to the hierarchical nature of social structures, where individuals strive to establish and maintain their position in the group. The disruption of these hierarchies can lead to stress and competition for all involved, regardless of their position. The higher up the hierarchy, the larger the downstream implications, meaning that conflicts between high-status individuals can have cascading effects on the entire group. This concept can be applied to various situations, including bullying and dating, where the behavior of those at the top can significantly impact those lower in the hierarchy.
Online gaming status influences behavior towards others: Men's behavior towards other players varies based on their relative status in a game, with aggressive responses towards higher-status females and supportive comments towards lower-status males
Individuals' behavior towards others in online gaming environments can be influenced by their relative status in the game. The study found that men who outperformed another player, Jeff, when he used a male voice received positive and supportive comments. However, when Jeff used a female voice, men who outperformed him became aggressive, while those who underperformed remained relatively positive. This behavior can be explained by the hierarchy present in the game, where a lower-status individual may not want to compete with someone of higher status for fear of negative consequences. The study also suggests that the flattening of the playing field in areas like education and employment may lead to increased adversarial communication between genders in online environments as individuals try to maintain or elevate their status.
Shift from Intrasexual to Intersexual Competition: Recognize the level playing field and embrace opportunities for both genders, as societal structures and evolutionary processes were not designed to handle intersexual competition.
The world has undergone significant changes in the last century, leading to a flattening of gender hierarchies and an increase in intersexual competition. This shift, from intrasexual to intersexual competition, is problematic from an evolutionary perspective as our societal structures and evolutionary processes were not designed to handle this kind of competition. Men may feel threatened by women's advancement and try to maintain their status through means such as making them feel bad about themselves. However, it's crucial to recognize that we live in a world where men and women are competing for the same opportunities, and this cultural shift requires men to rethink their attitudes towards losing to women. The differences between men and women are less pronounced than we think, and we need to embrace the level playing field and the opportunities it presents for both genders. While culture plays a significant role in shaping our attitudes, it's not the only factor, and addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach, including a shift in societal norms and individual mindsets.
High-status dynamics and competition evolve beyond intersexual competition: High-status males' behavior towards women varies in different domains, and violent video games can serve as a low-risk platform for practicing competitive skills and assessing opponents.
The dynamics of status and competition have evolved, moving beyond intersexual competition. This shift impacts behavior and selection processes. High-status individuals may react differently when losing to a woman, either maintaining confidence or becoming more aggressive. The study of high-status males' behavior towards women in various domains, such as computer science, medicine, and business, reveals similar patterns. Violent video games can serve as a low-risk platform for practicing competitive skills and assessing opponents. These findings highlight the complexity of human behavior and the need for further research.
Desensitization to aggression from playing violent video games: Playing violent games can make individuals less able to recognize anger in others, potentially leading to more aggression and a shift in acceptable behavior.
Playing violent video games can desensitize individuals to aggression and affect their ability to recognize anger in others. This finding goes against the common assumption that playing violent games would make people better at identifying anger. Instead, the study suggests that individuals who play violent games are less adept at noticing someone's shift towards anger. This desensitization could potentially lead to more aggression and a shift in acceptable behavior, both in the virtual and real world. Additionally, individuals who play violent games also perceive themselves as tougher and are more likely to compete against stronger opponents in real life. This feedback loop between the virtual and real world is becoming increasingly blurred. The reason our self-perception is heavily impacted by social environments, even if they are virtual, is likely due to our evolutionary history of living in small communities where status and hierarchy were important.
Impact of evolved behaviors in new contexts: Recognizing how evolved behaviors are used in new contexts, such as social media, is essential to adapting and reducing potential negative consequences.
In today's global market, the competition is no longer limited to local environments, and our evolved systems are not well-equipped to handle this new reality. Our interactions in social media platforms, which often involve seeking validation through likes and shares, can have a significant impact on us due to the mismatch between our evolved behaviors and the new context. For instance, the belief that beards provide protection in combat is a common myth, but research shows that UFC fighters, who often change their facial hair styles, do not have a lower likelihood of getting knocked out with beards. However, beards can influence perception and self-perception, making individuals feel more masculine, dominant, and likely to win in a social or psychological sense. This perception can help reduce the likelihood of physical confrontations. Overall, it's crucial to recognize the ways in which our evolved behaviors are being leveraged in new contexts and to adapt accordingly.
Contests for dominance and mating: following rules to minimize risks: Animals engage in contests to establish dominance and attract mates, using deterrents instead of weapons and displaying behaviors to signal status, with females selecting mates based on displays and males modifying behavior to avoid confrontations. Biological differences contribute to superior male performance in sports.
Animals, including humans, engage in contests to determine dominance and attract mates, following strict rules to minimize the risks of physical confrontations. Most weaponry serves as deterrents rather than tools for fighting. Contest competition is a form of mate selection where females choose mates based on their displays, rather than through direct competition. Males modify their behavior, such as vocal pitch, to signal status and avoid confrontations. In the context of sports, there are inherent physical differences between males and females, leading to superior performance in males in most areas. These differences are driven by various factors, including hormones and brain development. Understanding these biological realities can inform discussions around gender and athletic competition.
Mental capabilities and psychological differences in trans athletes: Studies suggest psychological differences between males and females in sports, affecting performance in memory and lie detection. However, the complex issue of trans athletes requires individual consideration and understanding of unique traits and distribution of abilities.
While discussions about trans athletes in sports often focus on physical differences like bone density and hand size, the most compelling argument is the mental capabilities and psychological differences between individuals. A study using a tennis ball machine showed that males were better at dodging tennis balls than females, suggesting differences in spatial rotation abilities. These psychological differences can give women an unfair advantage in certain sports, such as memory or lie detection. However, the conversation about trans athletes in sports is complex, and it's essential to consider the individual's place in the distribution of traits, as both men and women demonstrate traits of the opposite sex. The peak performance and decline in performance over time also vary between genders, with men generally hitting a peak and then declining, while women's performance tends to be more consistent over time. Ultimately, the solution to the complex issue of trans athletes in sports requires caution and consideration of the individual's unique traits and place in the distribution of abilities.
Men and Women's Athletic Performance Peaks Differ: Men may experience a more pronounced athletic performance peak due to higher testosterone levels and historical selective pressures, while women's performance may not exhibit a clear peak due to differences in competition and longer lifespans. Further research is needed to fully understand these differences.
While both men and women have peaks in their athletic performance, the length and significance of that peak may differ between the sexes. The discussion suggests that men may experience a more pronounced performance peak, potentially due to the physiological effects of higher testosterone levels and the historical selective pressures favoring maximum performance before the age of 40. Women, on the other hand, may not exhibit such a clear peak, possibly due to differences in the amount and intensity of competition they face and their longer lifespans. This theory, however, requires further testing and consideration of other potential factors. Ultimately, understanding these differences can provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by male and female athletes at various stages of their careers.
Biological differences in mate selection and reproduction for men and women: Men prioritize athletic abilities and status, while women prioritize safety and resources for themselves and their offspring. Modern factors like economic inequality and online dating have influenced these preferences, and the potential benefits of good genes are often outweighed by immediate benefits of safety and resources.
The evolutionary differences between men and women play a significant role in their behavior and preferences when it comes to mate selection and reproduction. Men are biologically driven to maximize their athletic abilities and status to attract mates and reproduce, while women prioritize safety and resources for themselves and their offspring. In the modern world, factors like economic inequality and online dating have influenced the way these preferences manifest. A study that explored the correlation between masculine faces and disease in a social environment was found to have limitations, as the benefits women gain from mating with resourceful and protective men outweigh the potential genetic benefits. The immediate benefits of safety and resources are more tangible and valuable than the potential long-term benefits of good genes. The discussion also touched upon the impact of changing societal norms and the role of stigma in shaping women's roles as mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers. Overall, the conversation highlighted the complex interplay between biology, culture, and social structures in shaping human mate selection and reproduction.
Gender inequality influences preferences for masculinized faces: Gender inequality leads women to prefer masculinized faces for security and resources, not just for direct benefits
Income inequality, particularly gender inequality, plays a significant role in shaping preferences and behaviors, including women's attraction to masculinized faces. This phenomenon is linked to the desire to escape from unfavorable living conditions and the motivation to secure a protector provider. This preference is not just for the direct benefits of the individual but also for the status and resources they represent. This concept is more straightforward than previous hypotheses, such as the good genes hypothesis, but still involves the interpretation of indirect cues, like facial features, to make assumptions about income and social status. For those interested in exploring this topic further, I recommend checking out the company I started, which creates educational games and apps that help people understand human behavior and the natural world. These resources can provide valuable insights into our own minds and behaviors as we navigate the complex intersection of culture and environment.
Understanding automatic processes in behavior and decision-making: Exploring body language and dressing in lower economic areas reveals automatic responses, not conscious decisions.
Our behaviors and decisions are not always conscious or based on rational thinking. Much of what we do is influenced by automatic processes in our brains and bodies. This was highlighted in the discussion of Candace's research on body language and dressing in lower economic areas. The key insight is that these behaviors are not a result of conscious decision-making but rather automatic responses. Understanding these automatic processes can lead to a better understanding of ourselves and society. To explore this further, check out Arludo.com and try out their free games. Engaging in research and experimentation can help us uncover more about these automatic processes and ultimately lead to a more honest and informed society.
