By: Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Nahrizul Adib Kadri

Casual gaming has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past decade. These games (remember Candy Crush? I just learned that it was first released way back in 2012!) are designed to be easy to learn, requiring minimal time investment, and providing instant gratification. They have become a favourite pastime for many individuals, especially those seeking quick entertainment during short breaks or downtime.

Casual games encompass a wide range of genres, from puzzle-solving (like Wordle, which was acquired by The New York Times in 2022) to simulation and strategy (like Temple Run by Imangi Studios released in 2011). Their appeal lies in their simplicity, accessibility, and ability to engage players for short bursts of time. Unlike traditional video games, which often demand lengthy gameplay sessions, casual games can be enjoyed in just a few minutes, making them perfect for on-the-go entertainment.

Research has shown that casual gaming attracts a particular demographic, including busy professionals, students, and individuals seeking brief moments of respite from their daily routines. According to a recent market research study published by Contrive Datum Insights in May 2023, the mobile and wearable gaming market size was valued at USD 71.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 171.05 billion by 2030. The allure of these games, I must say, lies in the perception of achieving a sense of accomplishment or productivity within a very limited timeframe.

Not unlike casual gaming, social media scrolling has also become a ubiquitous phenomenon in our digital age. Although the term ‘scrolling’ might carry some negative connotations, the action itself is often perceived as a quick and effortless way to fill gaps of perceived unproductivity. People of all ages engage in scrolling during short intervals, such as waiting for an elevator or while travelling in public transportations.

The appeal of social media lies in its image of offering instantaneous updates, bite-sized information, and brief moments of connection with others. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok (and much recently, Threads) have amassed staggering numbers of users worldwide, indicating the widespread acceptance of this “productive” pastime.

The number of active users on these platforms has reached unprecedented levels, with billions of individuals seeking bite-sized content that fits into their busy lives. The image of social media as a quick and efficient source of information and social interaction has certainly cemented its place in our daily routines.

On another note, the recent revelation by the Ministry of Education that almost 49 percent of SPM students (totalling more than 180,000 students) decided not to pursue their studies, has understandably caused a stir. I, for one, believed that one possible solution to the issue is by relooking at the image of education.

Education has long been associated with a significant time commitment. It takes roughly 12 years to complete primary and secondary education, followed by several more years to attain undergraduate and postgraduate degrees or pursue professional courses. This time-consuming nature of education, I believe, is the primary reason deterring individuals from pursuing lifelong learning or acquiring new skills (or furthering their studies in the case of those SPM students!).

If we can just reframe education as something that does not demand an excessive amount of time but still provides a sense of productivity and accomplishment, we may be able to attract more students to continue their studies to their highest potential, and others to embrace lifelong learning too.

In a world where casual gaming and social media scrolling have become integral parts of our lives, we should be able to draw inspiration from their successes. By remodelling educational content to align with human nature – offering short, satisfying learning experiences that can be accessed anywhere, anytime – we can perhaps revolutionise the image of education.

I strongly believe that the image of education needs a makeover. Imagine an educational system that breaks down traditional barriers, offering gamified experiences, and interactive platforms that cater to individuals’ schedules. This innovative approach to education could transform it into a seamless part of our so-called ‘busy’ lives, akin to the appeal of casual gaming and social media scrolling.

Let us reimagine education and empower individuals to embrace lifelong learning in the same way, shall we?

Short, and yet fulfilling.

_{The author is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, and may be reached at nahrizuladib@um.edu.my}