ThThe project, titled “Push the Button,” explores a phenomenon deeply rooted in our daily lives, focusing "Spiral of Silence", the societal and psychological mechanisms that lead individuals to suppress their opinions due to fear of isolation. This project is grounded in the Spiral of Silence theory proposed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, which posits that social groups or societies tend to isolate or exclude members based on their opinions. This fear of isolation influences individuals to conform to the majority view, leading to a continuous cycle where dissenting voices are silenced. The project aims to raise awareness about this phenomenon, encouraging self-consciousness and intellectual independence amidst the pervasive influence of public opinion and social media.

The "infinite game" concept, as explored in this project, is inspired by the theory of infinite and finite games proposed by James P. Carse. An infinite game is characterized by continuous play, where the objective is not to win, but to perpetuate the game. In contrast, a finite game has set rules, boundaries, and an ultimate goal of winning. The project leverages this idea to challenge players to reflect on their decision-making processes, particularly when faced with societal pressures and manipulation. By presenting players with choices that seem to have predetermined outcomes, the game encourages them to resist external influences and think independently. The goal is not to "win" in a traditional sense but to foster self-awareness and critical thinking.

The game flow in this project is deliberately designed to illustrate the tension between free will and manipulation. Players are presented with two buttons, one red and one blue. The game subtly guides them towards choosing the red button, which leads to failure, represented by chaotic and uncomfortable visual effects. If the player chooses the blue button on subsequent attempts, the game initially offers a neutral outcome, urging them to reflect on the purpose and implications of their choices. Ultimately, if the player consistently chooses the blue button, they experience a positive outcome, symbolizing success and the reclaiming of their original intent. This flow embodies the journey of resisting external pressures and remaining true to oneself, resonating with the broader theme of the Spiral of Silence.