Can video games save our humanity?
For decades, video games have been blamed for everything from violence and addiction to social isolation. But what if we've been asking the wrong question? Drawing on research in psychology, computational media and mental health, Dr Kong Meng Liew explores what video games can teach us about being human. From socially marginalised young people finding belonging in online worlds to moments of awe and wonder in virtual environments, this talk reveals a side of gaming rarely discussed in public debate. As digital technologies increasingly shape our lives, discover how virtual experiences can foster connection, meaning and resilience in an increasingly digital world.
Bio
Dr Kong Meng Liew is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Canterbury whose research examines how digital technologies shape human behaviour, culture, and wellbeing. His work combines psychology, computational social science, and data science to study online communities, video games, social media, and mental health. Prior to joining the University of Canterbury, he was an Assistant Professor in Information Systems at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (Japan) and a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His research has been supported by organisations including Google, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Event
Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 6:30pm – 7:30pm @Two Thumb Colombo, 380 Colombo Street, Sydenham 8023
The other talk at this location is What really made Rome great? at 8:00pm – 9:00pm
