The Multiplayer Effect: Assessing Social Capital in Videogaming Communities.

EasyChair Preprint 14690

Abstract

Social connection is crucial for mental health, enhancing self-esteem and quality of life. The rise of videogaming, with the inclusion in modern videogames of opportunities to interact socially, necessitates examining its impact on forming and maintaining social connections. Social capital within gaming, while researched, shows varied effects, influenced by game genre and community dynamics, highlighting the need for further exploration to inform policies and practices. This article presents early findings from a mixed methods study on the effects on how videogamers engage with one another and develop social capital on videogaming platforms. Participants reported a spectrum of relationships, from strong, family-like bonds to superficial connections. The longevity of these relationships also varied, with some lasting long-term and others being more transient. Shared interests in gaming were consistently highlighted as a foundational element for forming and maintaining these connections.

Keyphrases: online communities, social capital, social connectedness, videogames

@booklet{EasyChair:14690,
  author    = {Emma van der Schyff and Rowena Forsyth and Krestina Amon and Andrew Campbell},
  title     = {The Multiplayer Effect: Assessing Social Capital in Videogaming Communities.},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 14690},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}