The Transformative Power of Play: From TikTok Videos to Victorian Parlour Games

The Transformative Power of Play: From TikTok Videos to Victorian Parlour Games

In today's digital age, platforms like TikTok have become a playground for creativity and self-expression. Users create and share videos that captivate and entertain, often transforming the most mundane circumstances into captivating fantasies. But what exactly is it about play that holds such a powerful allure for both creators and viewers?

Play, as the US playwright Sarah Ruhl explains, is liberating because it allows us to transcend our everyday lives and try on new ways of being. It transforms the familiar into the fantastical, turning neighbors and friends into heroes and villains. This concept is not new. In the 1840s, a similar fascination with amateur play emerged in the United States. "Home amusements," as they were called, encompassed everything from scripted theatrical performances to simple charades and optical illusions.

The Dutch historian Johan Huizinga argued that play serves a vital role in transmitting culture and promoting the formation of social groupings that endure long after the game is over. Whether it's a card game, amateur sports, or children's make-believe, play connects us and teaches us about the emotions and passions of humanity. In the 19th century, amateur theatricals were praised for their ability to impart this knowledge and understanding.

But what about the transformations we witness on platforms like TikTok? How do they captivate us and hold our attention? Bodily transformations, especially grotesque ones, take on new meaning in times of social uncertainty. In medieval folklore, vampires symbolized a fear of contagion that breached the limits of the body. The appeal of watching young people play may lie in their blissful disregard for consequences, particularly when dangerous or socially threatening play spills over into the real world.

However, the contemporary grotesque is not just about physical transformations; it also encompasses the emotions and feelings evoked. This is evident in the recent phenomenon of TikTokers collectively staging a "Great Resignation" by quitting their jobs and documenting it on the platform. These acts, fueled by long-withheld dreams, demonstrate how play can liberate us and transform our circumstances into fantasies.

While play can be liberating and transformative, it also has its pitfalls. Gamification, the use of game-like elements in non-game contexts, has become a popular strategy for businesses to engage users. However, there are common pitfalls that companies must avoid to ensure the success of their gamification efforts.

One of the key pitfalls is failing to understand what users want and building the gamification flow around that. Google News, for example, introduced badges that focused on content consumption rather than reflecting how often a user reads. By aligning the gamification elements with user desires, companies can create a more engaging and rewarding experience.

Another pitfall is complexity. Zappos, an online shoe and clothing retailer, encountered this issue when implementing gamification. The outcome they desired was for users to feel motivated and socially included through badges. However, users were confused about what each badge symbolized and how they earned it. Keeping the gamification process simple and transparent is crucial to its success.

Furthermore, companies must ensure that their gamification efforts align with their audience's preferences. Marriott, for instance, faced a challenge when users didn't know how to play the game they had implemented. Their scores would fluctuate without any explanation, leaving users confused and disengaged. By building features around what users want and providing clear instructions, companies can keep their audience engaged and motivated.

In conclusion, play holds a transformative power that allows us to break free from the constraints of everyday life and explore new possibilities. From Victorian parlour games to TikTok videos, play has the ability to captivate and connect us. However, it is essential to navigate the pitfalls of gamification and ensure that it aligns with user desires. Understanding what users want, keeping it simple, and building features around their preferences are actionable steps that companies can take to create engaging and successful gamification experiences.

Actionable advice:

1. Understand your users' desires and build your gamification flow around them.
2. Keep the gamification process simple and transparent to avoid confusion and disengagement.
3. Align your gamification efforts with your audience's preferences and provide clear instructions to keep them engaged.

By recognizing the power of play and implementing effective gamification strategies, companies can create immersive experiences that captivate and engage users, fostering lasting connections and driving success.