npr.org
Monopoly Goes Digital: Mobile App Replaces Cash in New Edition
Hasbro's new Monopoly game, launching in August, replaces physical money with a mobile banking app, eliminating cash transactions and potentially altering social interaction during gameplay, reflecting a broader shift toward digital finance.
- What are the immediate impacts of replacing physical money with a mobile app in the new Monopoly game?
- Hasbro's new Monopoly edition replaces traditional money with a mobile app for managing in-game finances, eliminating the need for physical cash and potentially impacting social interaction during gameplay. This change reflects broader trends toward digital transactions and may influence how future board games are designed.
- What are the long-term implications of this change for the future of board games and family entertainment?
- This change in Monopoly could signal a larger trend toward digitalization in board games and family entertainment. The elimination of physical money might reduce opportunities for teaching children basic financial skills, like counting and managing money. Conversely, the app could provide opportunities for learning about digital finance, but this requires further consideration.
- How does the shift to a digital payment system in Monopoly reflect broader trends in society and technology?
- The shift to a digital banking app in the new Monopoly game reflects a wider societal move towards cashless transactions. Professor Justin Wolfers argues that digital payments offer advantages in security and convenience, aligning with the experiences of his students who predominantly use digital payment systems. The game's shift highlights the increasing integration of technology into leisure activities.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The author's initial negative reaction to the app-based Monopoly sets a negative tone, influencing the reader's perception. The headline could also be considered negatively framed. The economist's perspective, while presented, is framed in contrast to the author's sentiment, reinforcing the initial negative impression. Sequencing emphasizes the author's concerns before presenting a counterargument.
Language Bias
The author uses loaded language such as "what's going wrong with this world" and "Okay, boomer!" to express disapproval. The phrase "nick a twenty-dollar bill from my flip-flops" is colloquial and slightly sensationalizes a minor inconvenience. The economist's dismissal of the traditional game as "dusty financial ledgers" carries a dismissive tone. Neutral alternatives could be: Instead of "what's going wrong with this world," consider "This change raises concerns about..." Instead of "Okay, boomer!," the response could be summarized without the dismissive tone. Instead of "dusty financial ledgers," a more neutral term like "traditional record-keeping methods" could be used.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the author's personal reaction and the economist's viewpoint, neglecting other perspectives on the change in Monopoly. Missing are the views of families who may find the app version more convenient or educational, or those who prefer the traditional game for its social interaction. The potential benefits of the app (e.g., easier tracking, reduced disputes) are not fully explored.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the choice as either the traditional cash-based Monopoly or the app-based version, ignoring potential hybrid approaches or modifications that could preserve some aspects of the traditional game while incorporating digital elements. It simplifies a complex issue into an eitheor choice.
Sustainable Development Goals
The shift to a cashless Monopoly game using a mobile app could potentially promote financial inclusion and reduce inequality by familiarizing younger generations with digital payment systems, which are increasingly important for economic participation. This aligns with SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. While the article focuses on the game aspect, the underlying shift towards digital finance has broader societal implications related to access to financial services and economic empowerment.