Cultivating Counter Space: Evoking Empathy Through Simulated Gameplay

This presentation is a preliminary report on part of a larger, on-going research project with a computer simulation, Brianna’s World, that is examining ethnocultural empathy and prosocial behavior as fundamental components of human sociality that foster critical democratic citizenship, personal learning resources, and social justice. We report initial findings indicating that the simulation evokes a significant increase in empathetic response from a diverse group of students. The ability to increase or renew ethnocultural empathy is a hopeful sign in a world where active violence toward difference and diversity has found a place in public gatherings, in our schools, and in local community. We present a view of our simulation as narrative for cultivating counter space for youth, a space to practice acts of humanitarian value, social equality, respect for diversity, and social action.