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Using Intersectional Representation & Embodied Identification in Standard Video Game Play to Reduce Societal Biases

Marie A. Jarrell,Reza Ghaiumy Anaraky,Bart P. Knijnenburg,Erin Ash

Published 2021 in International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems

ABSTRACT

While virtual character embodiment has been studied as a mitigator of singular societal biases in fully immersive VR and empathy games, there have been no major studies on representation featuring standard game play or intersectional identities. In our study, participants played a short 2D video game with racial and gender character manipulations. They then rated a LinkedIn profile application to examine interactions of racial and gender biases. White male participants showed bias against black and female applicants, with the black female applicant experiencing both racial and gender bias. However, participants who embodied certain underrepresented characters in the game displayed reduced biases. Participants’ perceived identification with the characters moderated this effect. The study highlights a lack of homogeneity in the prevalence and potential reduction of different societal biases and incorporates intersectionality to illustrate how multiple parts of a player character’s identity can be used to combat biases.

PUBLICATION RECORD

  • Publication year

    2021

  • Venue

    International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems

  • Publication date

    2021-05-06

  • Fields of study

    Sociology, Computer Science, Psychology

  • Identifiers
    DOI 10.1145/3411764.3445161
  • External record

    Open on Semantic Scholar

  • Source metadata

    Semantic Scholar

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