Embedded Files
Its about time to bring up two important features from my world together, science and gaming. I’ve been trying to keep them apart in my social accounts, but I think this is not possible anymore. So here are the essentials of a woman scientist that is also a gamer:
In one word... “confusion”. That is what I perceive from my peers when I say I play videogames, boardgames, or roleplay games. Socially with other non-gamer friends, is also strange. Maybe because I’m a woman? Maybe because I’m a very social person in “real life”?
My guardian, I'm a main hunter in Destiny 2
The questions I get (mostly with videogames) are... Do you speak with strangers online? Do you play games involving shooting others? Do you know any of those persons in real life? How many hours do you play? Saying yes to all and that I play more than 3 hours a day is shocking to most.
But why is this so difficult? Why there is a general stereotype of gamers, and I don’t fit in? I also spend generally 6+ hours of my week with volleyball and nobody questions. My perception is that gaming is not well accepted in adult life, especially in roles the society expects women to have. I’ve heard frequently “it’s a thing for kids”.
Well news flash buddies! Although I played with many children, the majority of players I found in my gamming experience are pretty much grown up adults. With healthy families, children, and wife's! Yes, because women are clearly a minority in this field too, but fortunately there are several initiatives to tackle this matter such as the the*gameHers, and Women in Esports to help.
But lets get real, this is entertainment! Just like a series, a good movie or a book! If I see the whole GOT series nobody will say I’m wasting my time, however I get flabbergasted just by saying “I’m a gamer”.
On the other side of the coin, my gamming colleagues get to be positively impressed if I say I’m a scientist, and often want to know more about my work. Especially, if I can help them understanding issues like climate change, environmental issues or just the physics of things.
Currently, very good initiatives from fellow scientists popped up! Evidencing several benefits from using games for the dissemination of scientific knowledge, public awareness of environmental impacts, and engaging population with current pressing problems (Gaming Environment).
So why aren’t we working together already?
A sunset from my house in Minecraft.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse