“Social Gaming Platforms are just as recklessly monetised as social media platforms” – Buying To Belong report by FairPlay.
Like Social Media wasn’t enough, the rise of social in gaming is creating a whole new category of chaos.
The key findings of the report reveal how human vulnerability, especially at such an innocent age, is being exploited by marketing and technology.
- Young people and families experience significant financial harm. Using a powerful combination of Obfuscation Techniques – in-game currency, design features that encourage players to link self understanding and self expression to virtual goods and peer acceptance.
- Racism, homophobia, and other types of bullying based on identity are made worse by money-making strategies that treat identity as something to be sold. These strategies take advantage of teenagers’ sensitivity to status and their need for self-expression and acceptance from peers.
- Players can feel stressed, burnt out, and lose enjoyment because of money-driven strategies that use peer pressure and the need for status to get them to keep playing and buying. Chasing rewards like achievement badges and rare items becomes all they care about — focusing more on virtual success than on real-life relationships and activities that bring true happiness.
- Game features are designed to keep players engaged - like streaks, along with mechanics that make players feel more connected to the game. It can lead to unhealthy overuse, which harms both mental and physical health.
Download the Full Report