The effect of video game type on social affiliation

Abstract

Brief periods of interpersonal synchrony—moving together with others in the same way and at the same time, as in music-making and dance—have been shown to increase group bonding and prosociality (emotions and behaviours that benefit others, such as empathy and helping; Rennung & Göritz, 2016). However, no studies have examined the effect of longer-term participation in music and dance video games on social bonding and prosociality in adults using a true experimental design (i.e., one involving random assignment to group). In the proposed study, we will randomly assign participants to play one of four Nintendo Switch video games: two that involve interpersonal synchrony (Let's Sing; Just Dance), and two that do not (Sports Party; Mario Kart). Participants will complete a battery of measures at weeks 1 and 4, and they will complete short questionnaires before and after group classes during weeks 1 and 4. We expect to find that individuals assigned to classes involving synchronous movement (Let's Sing; Just Dance) will show faster social bonding and increased prosociality over the four weeks compared to those in the other classes (Sports Party; Mario Kart).

Faculty Mentor: Kathleen Corrigall

Department: Psychology