Risks, Harms, and Opportunities in Games

• Grant number: 24/02827-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: August 20, 2024
• End date: January 04, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Psychological Treatment and Prevention
• Principal Investigator: Ivelise Fortim
• Grantee: Ivelise Fortim
• Host Investigator: Sonia Livingstone
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e da Saúde. Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of London, England

Abstract

The childhood play, crucial for development, has undergone transformations with video games. In this context, concerns arise about risks such as gaming disorder, hate speech, and harmful interactions. Play is not merely individual; it is embedded in an ecosystem influenced by social and cultural actors and factors. Video games are a part of this ecosystem, but their use can provide opportunities, risks, and harms to children and adolescents. The research aims to propose a theoretical framework on risks, harms, and opportunities in video games, mapping the responsibilities of actors and identifying relevant variables for transforming risks into harms. The method includes a literature review and interviews with experts. The expected results will contribute to educational guidelines and public policies, promoting the safe and responsible use of digital games and clarifying the responsibilities of those involved.