In a video game:
– A car pulls alongside of you, and the driver yells, “Hey a**hole, learn to drive!”
– A snooty lady with a toy poodle in her purse makes a disparaging remark about your hair.
Would these events activate your trigger points of anger, rage, insecurity, or embarassment? I hope not.
What about in real life?
We’re are talking about the cashier at Stop N Shop, the Starbucks barista, the DMV attendant, the redhead at Oasis Salon, the vulger slob at the softball game, and the customer service rep for AT&T. (not your family, friends, etc)
We know intellectually that we shouldn’t let the actions of strangers bother us. You shouldn’t take it personally. But emotionally, it is another story.
What is the difference between strangers in real life and strangers in a video game?
How would your reactions be different if you assumed video game characters populated your world?
