This study presents a novel online perspective-taking game intervention designed to reduce anti-Roma sentiment among young adults in Hungary.
Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted where participants engaged with either the perspective-taking game or an unrelated online game.
Key Findings: Results demonstrate that playing the perspective-taking game significantly decreased ethnic prejudice against Roma Hungarians by a substantial margin—equivalent to half the difference between voters of far-right and center-right parties. Additionally, similar reductions were observed in antipathy toward refugees (another stigmatized group) and voting intentions for Hungary's overtly racist far-right party.
Implications: These findings offer compelling proof-of-concept that suggests perspective-taking interventions can effectively counter prejudice at low cost and with potential spillover benefits. This approach demonstrates promise as a scalable method to address ethnic tensions in various contexts.
