Sense of community, social identity and social support among players of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs): A qualitative analysis
Data(s) |
2015
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Resumo |
The majority of research examining massively multiplayer online game (MMOG)-based social relationships has used quantitative methodologies. The present study used qualitative semi-structured interviews with 22 Australian World of Warcraft (WoW) players to examine their experiences of MMOG-based social relationships. Interview transcripts underwent thematic analysis and revealed that participants reported experiencing an MMOG-based sense of community (a sense of belonging within the gaming or WoW community), discussed a number of different MMOG-based social identities (such as gamer, WoW player and guild or group member) and stated that they derived social support (a perception that one is cared for and may access resources from others within a group) from their relationships with other players. The findings of this study confirm that MMOG players can form gaming communities. Almost all participants accessed or provided in-game social support, and some gave or received broader emotional support. Players also identified as gamers and guild members. Fewer participants identified as WoW players. Findings indicated that changes to the game environment influence these relationships and further exploration of players' experiences could determine the optimal game features to enhance positive connections with fellow players. |
Formato |
application/pdf |
Identificador | |
Publicador |
John Wiley & Sons Ltd. |
Relação |
http://eprints.qut.edu.au/84804/3/84804a.pdf DOI:10.1002/casp.2224 O'Connor, Erin L., Longman, Huon, White, Katherine M., & Obst, Patricia L. (2015) Sense of community, social identity and social support among players of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs): A qualitative analysis. Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, 25(6), pp. 459-473. |
Direitos |
Copyright 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: [Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, 25, 6], which has been published in final form at DOI: 10.1002/casp.2224. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. |
Fonte |
Faculty of Health; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; School of Psychology & Counselling |
Palavras-Chave | #170000 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES #170100 PSYCHOLOGY #170113 Social and Community Psychology #MMOGs; online games; cyberpsychology; sense of community; social identity; social support; qualitative |
Tipo |
Journal Article |