To determine whether the gamification of nature is a suitable solution to engage children with nature, we have to take a closer look at gamification in general.
The Goal
The goal of gamification is motivation. The user should constantly have the incentive to stay motivated. With game elements like points, levels, badges, quests, etc., gamification allows users to clearly see their own goals. The users are being guided down goal-oriented paths and given immediate feedback. Good performances are being positively reinforced and the content is simplified and broken down into smaller tasks. This allows for more manageable tasks, keeps the user from being overwhelmed, and gives them a sense of accomplishment. All of this leads to heightened user motivation, engagement, and satisfaction.
The Reward System
The reward systems in gamification differ from the traditional ones, i.e. money or grades, which are more controlling in nature and can affect people negatively. Gamification elements such as badges, points, trophies, or virtual gifts represent rewards that don’t have much meaning outside the game. Instead, they emphasize the relevance of a particular achievement, are more goal-oriented and aren’t a cause for additional stress. They can even connect the users with each other since they are all striving towards the same goal. The competitive nature of humans has to be taken into account here since it gives the users another incentive to keep working towards their goals and challenges them.
The Science Behind It
As mentioned before, gamification is centered on motivation, the desire and willingness to do something. This drive and ambition are fueled by dopamine. The body releases dopamine when experiencing something pleasurable or satisfying. While these can be a variety of things, receiving a reward is one of the biggest. But the brain may give someone a chemical hit even before they’ve been recompensed for doing something. This is because dopamine neurons try to predict the rush someone will receive from certain actions. Over time, they’ll learn when something satisfying is about to happen and release dopamine. But this also means that even more dopamine will be released when receiving unexpected gratification. Therefore, the more the user plays the game, the more they receive, and the easier it is to stay motivated.
Sources
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106963
https://jeaninekrath.com/insights/how-does-gamification-work/
https://blog.wranx.com/the-science-behind-gamification-and-why-it-works
