Handheld Games: Can Virtual Pets Make a Difference?

Abstract

Children who care for real pet animals have shown higher levels of empathy and positive attitudes toward the humane treatment of animals. However, only a limited number of studies have examined whether caring for a virtual pet would have similar associations. This study investigated the question of whether a handheld virtual pet videogame can improve children’s empathy and humane attitudes. The results showed that after playing Nintendogs® for three weeks, participants showed higher levels of empathy on the Bryant Empathy Index, and had higher levels of humane attitudes on the Intermediate Attitude Scale, compared to their scores before they played.