The Value of Value Capture

Gamification, roughly the use of game-like elements to motivate us achieve practical ends “in real world,” makes large promises. According Jane McGonigal, gamification can save world by channelling amazing motivational power gaming into pro-social causes ranging from alienation our work global resource scarcity and feeding hungry (McGonigal 2011). Even much more modest aims like improving personal fitness or promoting a equitable division household labour provide some license for optimism about ability improve lives in humble but still worthwhile ways. On other hand, Thi Nguyen has argued that there is dark side gamification: what he calls “value capture.” Roughly, works part because it offers simplified value structure – this an essential its appeal power. However, especially context which exports these schemes real-world lives, risk overly simplistic models will displace rich, subtle values make worse: capture. The point well-taken. way number steps taken per day can, avid user “FitBit,” accurate measurements how one’s activities contribute compelling example. If I become so obsessed with “getting my 10,000 steps” stop making time go gym, jog do yoga/pilates then not net gain. important range cases Nguyen’s discussion ignores exception his critique: capture relative behaviours are addictive destructive. Here have mind things alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling addiction. With kinds activities, only be good person’s well-being (and spite of) displacement values. Interestingly, limited behaviour, though they put most sharp relief. Any situation rational decisions one leave worse off than “blindly” following policy itself adopt also turns out illustrate point, thus further expanding role as force good. general certain sequential choice problems carve theoretically interesting worries In contexts, does worse, may better.