Games for Good keynote speaker sees play as crucial to adolescent development
Susan Rivers believes in the transformative power of play, especially in the formative years of adolescence. According to Rivers, the executive director and chief scientist at iThrive Games, play offers a unique opportunity for teenagers to explore, learn, and develop critical skills. She states, “There are so many kids who enjoy video games and are excited to try new things, even if they don’t know how to do it.” This exploration not only nurtures their interests but also prepares them to grow into confident, innovative adults.
Rivers is set to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Games for Good conference at Clark University. The conference, hosted by the Becker School of Design & Technology, will delve into how games and technology can bridge various disciplines while serving as critical tools for education, storytelling, accessibility, and social justice through engaging play. Conference registration is open, and it promises to be an enriching experience for attendees.
With a doctorate in psychology, Rivers previously ran a research lab at Yale University, where she designed and evaluated social-emotional learning programs. A pivotal realization came when she noted that games designed for younger children could not be simply adjusted for high school learners, as the adolescent brain underwent significant changes. At this time, she also received funding from the military to explore how technology and simulation could foster trust between humans and computers.
“This was before the smartphone days,” Rivers recalls. “We were developing this digital simulation embedded with emotional intelligence training, and we found that it resulted in increased trust, emotional regulation, and stress management.” This insight propelled Rivers toward understanding how digital tools could positively influence teenagers’ social-emotional development.
In her pivotal role, Rivers crafts digital environments that facilitate teen learning and connection. In a recent Q&A with ClarkU News, she shared her thoughts on gaming’s role in adolescent growth. One question explored how her work has evolved with technological advancements over the past two decades.
Q: How has your work evolved alongside the rapid evolution of technology in the last 20 years?
A: Technology is continually advancing, from mobile gaming to virtual reality and augmented reality. My focus has always been on understanding what invitation these innovations extend to young people. Technology itself isn’t the end goal; it’s a tool to reach our learning objectives. The challenge lies in how we engage young people with these tools and create an inviting educational experience around them.
Another significant aspect of Rivers’ work is understanding how adults can facilitate engagement among teens.
Q: How can adults make games more enticing for teens?
A: Adults need to appreciate the significance of adolescence and recognize their influential role during this stage of development. Ages 10 to 25 are marked by incredible brain development. Creating an engaging, resource-rich environment can instill a sense of belonging and purpose that resonates throughout a young person’s life. When adults embrace the playful energy of teens and resist the urge to impose rigidity, it fosters a supportive atmosphere conducive to growth.
Q: What is a game you’ve created with teens?
A: One of our projects is Our Threads, designed with the input of 30 high school students who are refugees. We asked them what newcomers to the U.S. need to feel comfortable in classroom settings. The teens emphasized the importance of being asked questions and finding shared humanity. Their feedback shaped the development of a question card game, which we’ve published and is now available for sale.
Q: What are you excited to experience at the Games for Good conference?
A: I’m eager to connect with students and professionals, researchers, and designers who are making strides in this field. I’ll share what we do at iThrive Games and look forward to absorbing new insights and potential collaborations. Conferences are always a great source of inspiration and an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals.
