The Transformative Power of Games on Participatory Governance
Government is the manifestation of a social contract created by citizens for rules to which everyone agrees to abide in exchange for support and protection. Presently there are limitations on the direct impact that citizens can have on government apart from voting in elections or running for office. Often in these participatory activities, there is little direct feedback which does not excite citizens. Games can be used to create new avenues for public participation that will provide feedback, build communities and improve both the structure and social collective of the country.
In the public arena, games are usually considered in two contexts. The first is that of political manipulation which is incredibly harmful to overall outcomes as it inhibits honest interactions between groups. The other game context is that of game theory, which is where individuals can make strategic choices to positively impact themselves, and can also decide whether or not to assist others. Games should also be considered in a third context- as a tool to encourage development of ideas and participation. People are attracted to games because they are entertaining, have purpose, and foster creativity. Dr. Jane McGonigal (2010) spoke on the potential for online games to solve real world problems (:10). Through her research and work at the Institute for the future, games were developed that produced an array of unique solutions to real world problems (17:26). This is an imaginative use of a technology to create new ideas, practices and communities. However, there is a step following idea production that needs to be addressed: the pathway between the ideas and decision makers in government. Government can benefit from the contributions of its citizens in areas of improved operations, problem identification, potential policy solutions, and conceptualization of American priorities
If the government was to use online game dynamics for increased participation, some adjustments would be needed as with any change. In order for people be interested in this opportunity there must be access to information (while protecting classified information), willingness to consider proposed ideas, idea uptake and implementations, and feedback to citizens. Structures of games can be revised to best fit with the proper context. For instance, there could be a government improvement scale where individuals or groups receive a point number depending on their contributions. If the practice gains a following, the scale rating will gain legitimacy and impact- it could be included on a resume for public and private industry. Another option could be a connection between legislators and citizens in their respective legislative districts. Citizens could collectively develop questions or problems present in the community and propose potential solutions. Citizens would use a moderation system where ideas can be liked or not by peers, the ideas with high approval ratings would be near the top of the list. Legislators would receive updates and there would be increased expectation of effort in the specified areas.
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The following flowchart is how I envision the dynamic between government and citizens evolving if participatory outlets are created using games:
Government à ePA technology + gaming à ideas + uptake à feedback à changed government dynamic à responsive, better government à improved social contract relationship between citizens and government
The relationship between citizens and government would be altered through this form of participation; citizens would have the opportunity to be innovative leaders on a small scale. This would cause different expectations. For instance, there is a difference between government information being accessible and being transparent. A practical example is navigating government accounting systems. If people are working on revisions of content using game dynamics, there would be increased expectations of transparency. The purpose of using games is to optimize individual motivation to solve problems in conjunction with government update and feedback to improve the overall function and facilitate dialogue to create a stronger, healthier democracy.
You address a topic near and dear to my heart... and like you, I believe that games can play a key role in increasing participation and overall effectiveness of government. One note: Your flow chard did not post correctly. Could you take a screenshot of it and upload it? I'd be interested in seeing it in the correct format.
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This topic seems to be interesting. The games of dialogue between the elected and the electorate. Almost an "e-suggestion box". I wonder if how effective it would be? Keep me posted.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video by Jane McGonical in the participation module about harnessing games to solve some of our most difficult problems, I immediately wanted to learn more. I am glad that you chose this topic and you really put a lot of effort info it. Participatory activities do hold the potential to get citizens involved in governance and to provide feedback on some of our most pressing societal problems. I like how you offered a deeper overview of McGonigals ideas and how they could be put into practice. I also appreciate the flow chart that you provided and how you explained it transformative power between citizens and government. Great work on this project and modules this semester!
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ReplyDeleteThis is a great topic with an imaginative spin. The new use of a technology that creates new ideas, practices and communities by gaming is an
ReplyDeleteamazing transformation in our society. Cconnecting goverment and citizens in their legislative districts is needed. As citizens we should be able to interact collectively and develop questions or problems and propose potential solutions. This will give people an overall concept that making decisions is not that easy from the front seat.
I have to say that this topic brings a new idea to connect government with citizens. I believe this would be a hard topic to sell to the government, but you do a great job explaining how citizens and the government will be interacting to improve awareness on both sides. I would have found this topic to be difficult to research; did you have any resources that you used?
ReplyDeleteGreat topic. we've discussed this in our other class this semester too. I like the way you think. You simplify what is actually a complex process into workable steps. I think this coincides with your other paper topic from 574 quite nicely. How feasible do you think this is?
ReplyDeleteI really like this topic and I think there is a real potential here to create something very cool. I think we could also look at creating games for young kids that get them interested in governemnt. By showing kids that governemnt can be fun and giving them a better understanding of how it works, they will be more inclined to participate as they grow older.
ReplyDeleteLike Kofski said, I think by having children participate in government games while they are young will make government seem more exciting to them as they age. These games can also help citizens believe they are making an impact, which will only increase participation. Great job Tanya!
ReplyDeleteI love the ideas that come up involving using games to get people involved and more interested in recent activities of the government. Even though it is something people should ideally already be interested in, and participating in, there is no better way to get people involved who are not than by using this type of format. I also love the idea of children participating in these games. If kids are using these tools to learn about government, when they are older they would be much more likely I feel, to participate and keep themselves educated. Very good job. =)
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