Gamification: It's Terrible

It seems like gamification is being implemented in all facets of life particularly with mobile applications. Gamification is about adding the elements of games to other application: it's all about scoring as many points as possible and gaining higher levels or badges while achieving certain tasks/goals. And with the popularization of social networks, all of the achievements can be shared with friends, family, and the public.

Gamification can often work for some applications. But there are some downsides. In gamification, losing or having a lack of progression is nearly impossible; majority of the time, loss of progression and difficult obstacles are lacking. It's all about positive reinforcement, like worthless rewards, in order to keep users inclined to keep playing the game or using the service.

While gamification can often be seen as motivation, I believe it can lead to a dangerous mindset. The basis of being constantly positive in gamification can lead to disappointment and a feeling of defeat. Unlike in games where developers can aid players in progressing in a controlled environment, other applications in life can't be controlled. There is bound to be obstacles and setbacks for the user.

Another aspect of gamification is finding loopholes or using easier methods of achieving and gaining points/rewards. In games, this is often called "cheesing" where players use a strategy that take little to no skill in order to defeat something that is often very challenging. In real life applications implementing gamification, this can often be comparable to cheating to earn rewards (mostly valueless) and allowing users to share their accomplishments. Though in games, consequences for taking the easy way out are much less significant than in real life. In real life, it is more meaningless and is essentially boasting non-achievements; almost like you have to be a jerk in life.

People can't expect life to be like games where you earn rewards/badges for everything you do. I don't think gamification of education is a very good solution to teaching students. There are challenges/goals in life that you won't be rewarded for but are important in developing as a person; and that is not a bad thing. People shouldn't need valueless (or even valued) rewards to incentive/motivate them to do everything.