Digital Migration Simulations Successfully Shift Student Attitudes and Empathy Toward Global Refugees

Uppsala University study shows that digital migration simulations help students develop deeper empathy and social understanding of refugee crises.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 8:46 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Uppsala University

From Statistics to First-Person Experience

Researchers at Uppsala University have found that immersive digital simulations are more effective at building empathy for migrants than standard classroom methods. Traditionally, education on global migration relies on international statistics, which can often feel abstract to students. The new study utilized a "student-activating" approach, assigning 148 students aged 14–19 a randomized migration pathway. Participants lived the life of a character from birth to death, making decisions based on limited resources while navigating real-world events.

The Reality of Failed Migration in Simulation

The simulation, developed by the RealLives Foundation, is grounded in accurate, research-based data. One of the most significant findings was the high failure rate within the game: approximately 25% of students who attempted to migrate failed to reach their target countries. These characters often succumbed to financial constraints, illness, or death before they could secure safe passage. Lead author Markus Al-Afifi noted that this was a deliberate reflection of reality, particularly for those born in parts of the Middle East and North Africa where economic deprivation creates immense barriers to movement.

Applying Intergroup Contact Theory to the Classroom

The study utilized "intergroup contact theory," which suggests that contact between different social groups can reduce prejudice. In a classroom setting where direct contact with refugees may not be possible, the simulation acts as a structured form of indirect experience. By placing students in the shoes of a migrant, the simulation forces them to confront agency, uncertainty, and limited options. Professor Thomas Nygren likened the approach to a fusion of Hans Rosling’s data models and modern computer gaming mechanics.