Introduction
Mobile games have become increasingly popular over the years, and their advertisements can be seen on almost every screen. However, there is a common theme that has caught the attention of mobile developers: individuals appearing in mobile game ads often appear to lack intelligence.
The Perception of Intelligence in Advertising
One of the main reasons why individuals in mobile game ads appear to lack intelligence is due to the way they are portrayed in advertisements. Often, these individuals are shown performing mundane or stereotypical tasks that do not require a high level of intellect.
Another reason why individuals in mobile game ads may appear unintelligent is due to the way they are dressed. Often, individuals in mobile game ads are shown wearing clothing that is associated with a lack of intelligence, such as oversized sunglasses or white robes. This can reinforce negative stereotypes about certain groups of people and make them seem less intelligent.
The Psychology of Intelligence and Advertising
Research has shown that our perceptions of intelligence are influenced by various factors, including the way we are dressed, the tasks we perform, and the setting in which we are depicted. This is known as stereotype threat, and it occurs when individuals feel that they may be judged based on negative stereotypes about their group.
In the context of mobile game advertisements, this can lead to a phenomenon called “stereotyping bias.” This occurs when individuals are more likely to associate certain traits or characteristics with a particular group of people, even if those traits do not accurately reflect the group as a whole.
Case Studies and Personal Experiences
One example of this phenomenon can be seen in the popular mobile game “Candy Crush Saga.” In one advertisement for the game, a group of individuals were shown playing the game while sitting on a couch, wearing casual clothing, and drinking soda. Despite the fact that these individuals were shown playing the game, they appeared to lack intelligence due to their dress and setting.
Another example can be seen in an advertisement for the mobile game “Angry Birds.” In this advertisement, a group of individuals were shown playing the game while sitting on a couch and wearing casual clothing. However, one individual was depicted wearing glasses, which may have suggested that they possessed a higher level of intelligence than the others.
Personal experiences can also shed light on this phenomenon. For example, as a mobile developer, I have noticed that individuals in mobile game ads are often shown performing mundane tasks or wearing clothing associated with a lack of intelligence. This has led me to wonder if these depictions may be reinforcing negative stereotypes about certain groups of people and making them seem less intelligent than they actually are.
The Impact on Mobile Developers
The way individuals in mobile game ads are portrayed can have a significant impact on mobile developers. If these individuals appear to lack intelligence, it may lead potential players to question the quality of the game and the capabilities of the developer. This can ultimately result in a loss of trust and a decrease in downloads.
Additionally, if individuals from certain groups are consistently depicted as less intelligent in mobile game ads, it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes that may affect how those groups are viewed by society as a whole. This can have far-reaching consequences beyond the realm of mobile gaming and contribute to broader social issues.
Solutions and Best Practices
To combat this phenomenon, mobile developers should be mindful of the way individuals in their advertisements are portrayed. Instead of showing individuals performing mundane tasks or wearing clothing associated with a lack of intelligence, developers can show individuals in their advertisements engaging in more complex or intellectual activities.