Playing Games Model

Scott Moehring's framework proposing that every human interaction is a game with specific characteristics.

Scott's Theory

"My working theory is 1) there is a set of things that all games have, 2) that every interaction with another person is a game, and 3) therefore every interaction has these things."

The Five Elements

Scott identified five universal elements in games (and therefore all interactions):

Goal - purpose, point, reason for interacting
Rules - what's allowed or not (whether stated, implied, or customary)
Voluntary - invitation AND acceptance, constantly renegotiated
Uncertain - can't know the outcome for sure
Improve - requires some skill

Value

Scott noted:

"It's been the most fascinating value I've gotten from my Playing Games model."

The framework helped him understand social interactions, including curiosity exchanges.

Connection to Curiosity

This model illuminates Curiosity as Social Practice:

Voluntary Nature

Both parties must consent to the curiosity game
Consent can be withdrawn or renegotiated
Stacey Druss's discomfort with performative curiosity reflects violated voluntary nature

Rules

Different cultures have different rules for curiosity (see Cultural Dimensions of Curiosity)
Gil Friend noted: "All games have rules. Cultures/subcultures/social classes have norms."
Rule mismatch creates friction

Uncertainty

Genuine curiosity requires not knowing the outcome
This connects to Alex Kladitis's point about belief systems - we avoid uncertainty that might challenge beliefs

Goal

Jerry Michalski asked: "Is this really about connection?"
The goal of curiosity-as-game might be connection, learning, or something else

Skill

Pete Kaminski learning social curiosity from Johanne shows it's a skill
Some people haven't developed the skill but can learn

Application to the Discussion

Pete Kaminski:

"It's a bit of a participatory game that is best played by both participants; it's okay to answer by redirecting to a different topic rather than one you don't want to talk about."

This perfectly captures the Playing Games Model applied to curiosity.

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