GNGTS 2024 - Atti del 42° Convegno Nazionale

Session 2.3 GNGTS 2024 E se… (What if…) a game to learn about risk percepton M. V. Gargiulo 1 , G. Woo 1 , R. Russo 1 , F. Napolitano 1 , O. Amoroso 1 , B. Massa 2 , P. Capuano 1 1 Department of Physics – University of Salerno, Italy, 2 Department of Science and Technology – University of Sannio The role of science and its public percepton is pivotal for societal resilience, a fact underscored by the profound impact of COVID-19. How society responds to scientfc fndings and the trust citzens place in them is closely ted to the efectveness of scientfc communicaton (Reuter and Spielhofer, 2017). Consequently, it is imperatve to formulate innovatve strategies and protocols for communicatng science and risk (Appleby-Arnold et al, 2021). Italy, geologically one of the most complex and scientfcally intriguing countries globally, faces signifcant seismic and volcanic hazards. Focusing on the Campania region, partcularly the Phlegraean Fields, a supervolcano near Naples, the area exhibits unique geological features, including 24 craters and volcanic edifces, many submerged. The region experiences hydrothermal actvity and bradyseismic phenomena, with recent reports indicatng infaton around Pozzuoli and increased seismic actvity. In light of these geological challenges, public awareness and educaton about general and seismic risks, especially among younger generatons, assume paramount importance. Recognizing the infuental role of the younger demographic in societal scientfc awareness, it is crucial to employ efectve language and engagement strategies (Musacchio et al., 2023). In this context, the use of Serious Games, a balance of serious and playful elements, emerges as an innovatve science communicaton tool (Veldkamp et al., 2021). These games actvely involve partcipants, enhancing their learning experience. In parallel, integral to risk analysis is the use of downward counterfactual analysis, a cognitve psychology concept. While people ofen contemplate how situatons could have been beter, considering how they might have been worse is less common. In the realm of risk assessment, the downward counterfactual is a valuable tool. It prompts a deliberate examinaton of how events might have taken a more adverse turn, contributng to enhanced disaster preparedness and avoiding unexpected surprises.