Why Do We Demand Rewards?

by with One Comment blog

As I looked into why kids and adults seek rewards for things that in the past never quantified such a response, I’ve come to the theory that video games are at the top of the list for our ongoing feelings of needing some kind of reward for our actions.

When playing video games, you unlock benefits either through finding secret places or completing levels and tasks. If you look at the current generation of kids all the way to the generation of technology leaders, video games have played a huge part in our upbringing. So much so, that we now want to bring the joy of unlocking rewards into our real life through the levels we complete on the variety of mobile checkin platforms.

Now if only there was a mushroom that could make me taller….

Rewarding Mediocrity

by with 2 Comments blog

We reward children for things that never required a reward in the past. In early childhood sports, everyone gets a trophy and a pat on the back whether they win or lose. People bribe their children with money and gifts to clean their rooms. Are we teaching our kids that life rewards mediocrity?

A tough reality is headed their way – or so we might think.

Adults now are being rewarded for mediocrity as well. Last week Facebook Places moved towards offering businesses the opportunity to offer discounts and specials to people who checked in at their locations. The GAP company jumped on that and offered free jeans to people who came out and checked in.

It’s hard to gauge the future impact of rewarding children and adults for doing things that really required no effort (or reward in the past). But the fact is rewarding mediocrity has grown up, and from a consumer perspective, you’ll hear no complaints.

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