Research and Writing
Noora Kauppinen: "It was somewhat like a mental breakdown.” – Navigating Cognitive Dissonance in Life is Strange: The Influence of Parasocial Relationships and Immersion on Players' Perceptions.
Open Access:
https://erepo.uef.fi/handle/123456789/30048
Abstract
This study explores the impact of parasocial relationships and immersion on the manifestation of cognitive dissonance and the playing experiences of the players of the video game Life is Strange. This study falls within the scope of Game Studies, a subfield of Cultural Studies along with Media Culture and Communications. Moreover, this study is interdisciplinary and includes psychological aspects. The data was collected using a semi- structured online survey from participants over 18 years old and was analysed using qualitative research methods. The majority of the respondents accessed the survey through the social networking platform Reddit, while the remaining participants were recruited through the gaming site Steam. The survey comprised a total of 71 questions and was available for two days. A total of 290 individuals completed the survey.
The results suggest that there seems to be a positive correlation between the strength of parasocial relationships and cognitive dissonance, indicating that individuals with stronger parasocial relationships may experience greater discomfort when faced with conflicting, morally ambiguous information in the game. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the experience of immersion may affect the relationship between parasocial relationships and cognitive dissonance. Specifically, individuals who were more immersed in the game seemed to have been more likely to experience cognitive dissonance when presented with dissonant, morally ambiguous information. The results also indicate that when a decision in the game is not particularly conflicting or can be perceived as morally right, cognitive dissonance is less likely to occur. These findings may have practical implications for the design of narrative-driven video games.
Open Access:
https://erepo.uef.fi/handle/123456789/30048
Abstract
This study explores the impact of parasocial relationships and immersion on the manifestation of cognitive dissonance and the playing experiences of the players of the video game Life is Strange. This study falls within the scope of Game Studies, a subfield of Cultural Studies along with Media Culture and Communications. Moreover, this study is interdisciplinary and includes psychological aspects. The data was collected using a semi- structured online survey from participants over 18 years old and was analysed using qualitative research methods. The majority of the respondents accessed the survey through the social networking platform Reddit, while the remaining participants were recruited through the gaming site Steam. The survey comprised a total of 71 questions and was available for two days. A total of 290 individuals completed the survey.
The results suggest that there seems to be a positive correlation between the strength of parasocial relationships and cognitive dissonance, indicating that individuals with stronger parasocial relationships may experience greater discomfort when faced with conflicting, morally ambiguous information in the game. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the experience of immersion may affect the relationship between parasocial relationships and cognitive dissonance. Specifically, individuals who were more immersed in the game seemed to have been more likely to experience cognitive dissonance when presented with dissonant, morally ambiguous information. The results also indicate that when a decision in the game is not particularly conflicting or can be perceived as morally right, cognitive dissonance is less likely to occur. These findings may have practical implications for the design of narrative-driven video games.
An opinion piece:
In the symphony of existence, where the orchestra of life dances in harmony, we find ourselves in the age of climate change - a haunting melody of destruction composed by our own hands. As our planet shivers under the weight of global warming, the consequences of our actions grow ever more apparent. Yet, amidst this crescendo of chaos, our leaders seem to be deaf to the call for action, preferring to engage in the blame game. As time passes, the unfortunate reality becomes increasingly evident – our leaders are failing to shoulder the responsibility for the plight we face.
Picture Earth as a fragile crystal globe, one that has been intricately crafted over millions of years. Now, imagine that each tone of the rising orchestra represents a consequence of climate change. The first note resonates with the shrinking ice caps and glaciers, releasing a mournful elegy for vanishing polar habitats. As the melody progresses, we hear the sorrowful cries of countless species going extinct, their voices silenced forever.
The rhythm intensifies, and the haunting tune of extreme weather events strikes a dissonant chord. Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts sweep across the world, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Entire communities are uprooted, left to bear the brunt of nature's wrath, all while our leaders turn a blind eye to the orchestra of suffering.
As the symphony plays on, a shadowy figure steps into the limelight – the leaders. These puppeteers of power hold the strings that could halt this destructive symphony, yet they choose to dance to their own tune. By casting blame on the very people they should be protecting, they divert attention from their own culpability.
With eloquence and artful rhetoric, they play the age-old blame game, placing responsibility on ordinary citizens and their lifestyle choices. They point fingers at the masses for driving cars, using plastic, and consuming goods, as if these actions alone have plunged us into the depths of climate crisis. While individual actions do play a role, it is the grand-scale decisions of corporations and governments that truly dictate the fate of our planet.
In the grand ballroom of politics, we witness an enchanting yet treacherous dance. Politicians swirl in a dizzying waltz, each seeking to outmaneuver the other, while the planet pays the price for their recklessness. Promises of change and ambitious climate agreements are made, but often remain mere footnotes in the chronicles of history.
The real change requires uncomfortable choices, which many leaders are unwilling to make. The allure of profit and economic growth casts a spell, and they prioritize short-term gains over the long-term survival of our world. In this delicate choreography, the health of our planet becomes a sacrificial lamb on the altar of political expediency.
While the symphony of consequences seems bleak, hope is not lost. The melody can still be altered if we rise as one and demand genuine change from our leaders. We must reject the blame thrust upon us and call for accountability from those who have the power to make a difference. We must vote wisely, support sustainable policies, and advocate for a shift toward renewable energy sources.
Every individual action counts, but it is the collective force of united citizens that can reshape the future. Together, we have the power to alter the course of the symphony, steering it towards a harmonious and sustainable tomorrow.
As the final note of this piece resounds, let us remember that we are the conductors of our destiny. Climate change's consequences are a bitter testament to our past inaction, but they can also serve as a powerful reminder of our ability to create a new, hopeful narrative. It is time for our leaders to discard the veil of blame and embrace the mantle of responsibility. Only then can we orchestrate a brighter future for ourselves and the generations to come. Let us stand together and compose a symphony of change that resonates with compassion, wisdom, and foresight. The time to act is now.
Picture Earth as a fragile crystal globe, one that has been intricately crafted over millions of years. Now, imagine that each tone of the rising orchestra represents a consequence of climate change. The first note resonates with the shrinking ice caps and glaciers, releasing a mournful elegy for vanishing polar habitats. As the melody progresses, we hear the sorrowful cries of countless species going extinct, their voices silenced forever.
The rhythm intensifies, and the haunting tune of extreme weather events strikes a dissonant chord. Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts sweep across the world, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Entire communities are uprooted, left to bear the brunt of nature's wrath, all while our leaders turn a blind eye to the orchestra of suffering.
As the symphony plays on, a shadowy figure steps into the limelight – the leaders. These puppeteers of power hold the strings that could halt this destructive symphony, yet they choose to dance to their own tune. By casting blame on the very people they should be protecting, they divert attention from their own culpability.
With eloquence and artful rhetoric, they play the age-old blame game, placing responsibility on ordinary citizens and their lifestyle choices. They point fingers at the masses for driving cars, using plastic, and consuming goods, as if these actions alone have plunged us into the depths of climate crisis. While individual actions do play a role, it is the grand-scale decisions of corporations and governments that truly dictate the fate of our planet.
In the grand ballroom of politics, we witness an enchanting yet treacherous dance. Politicians swirl in a dizzying waltz, each seeking to outmaneuver the other, while the planet pays the price for their recklessness. Promises of change and ambitious climate agreements are made, but often remain mere footnotes in the chronicles of history.
The real change requires uncomfortable choices, which many leaders are unwilling to make. The allure of profit and economic growth casts a spell, and they prioritize short-term gains over the long-term survival of our world. In this delicate choreography, the health of our planet becomes a sacrificial lamb on the altar of political expediency.
While the symphony of consequences seems bleak, hope is not lost. The melody can still be altered if we rise as one and demand genuine change from our leaders. We must reject the blame thrust upon us and call for accountability from those who have the power to make a difference. We must vote wisely, support sustainable policies, and advocate for a shift toward renewable energy sources.
Every individual action counts, but it is the collective force of united citizens that can reshape the future. Together, we have the power to alter the course of the symphony, steering it towards a harmonious and sustainable tomorrow.
As the final note of this piece resounds, let us remember that we are the conductors of our destiny. Climate change's consequences are a bitter testament to our past inaction, but they can also serve as a powerful reminder of our ability to create a new, hopeful narrative. It is time for our leaders to discard the veil of blame and embrace the mantle of responsibility. Only then can we orchestrate a brighter future for ourselves and the generations to come. Let us stand together and compose a symphony of change that resonates with compassion, wisdom, and foresight. The time to act is now.