[bheadmaster]

I see it as a fundamental problem of humanity - we cannot trust people to do "good" by themselves, because doing "good" often requires giving up personal benefits that would be gained from doing "bad".

The best example I know is videogames. Ever see anyone play GTA without shooting everyone on the street? In GTA, there are no real consequences for your actions, so our true nature comes out. I imagine that, in the real world, when a person has power without consequences, it starts feeling like a game of GTA to them after a while - not exercising the power available just feels "lame".

> what should we therefore do?

Restrict power, increase accountability. The only way to train (human) animals is through punishment when they piss on the rug.

[mafuy]

> Ever see anyone play GTA without shooting everyone on the street?

I disagree. The game is built to favor this behavior. If you wanted to, say, make a living in the game by selling pancakes, the scenario would not be supported to the same degree (in this case: not at all).

Look at flight simulators. Most people try to fly properly. Occasionally, people explore "what if" scenarios. But most certainly most people do not use it to practice or experience another 9/11.

[joseda-hg]

I don't know how comparable the examples are

Ignorig the what if's The "enjoyment" of playing a FlightSim is trying to be as much of a competent pilot as you can, in GTA you derive said enjoyment by acting as someone with complete disregard for consequences. (Both steer you to something, still, because no consequences people try the alternatives, like everyones short lived attempt to follow laws in GTA)

People intentionally torturing the Sims seems a lot more appropiate, and comparably common

Removing consequence from action means that the only thing stopping you is your own morality, which is dangerous (Would you rather destroy the life of a random no one you will never see, or that of a lifelong colleague/partner/friend?)

[swayvil]

Voting, lying, moderating.

That's certainly a more immediately relevant answer. Here in social media land.

They are the corrupting powers and avenues of expression for this bad human nature, here.