For millions of Americans, playing some kind of video game is an everyday thing. Gaming is a welcome form of entertainment and relaxation for many people, and the Internet has even made it a social activity. However, playing video games excessively to the point of isolation, addiction, or changes in mood or behavior has increased concerns about this pastime. These possible negative effects can contribute to anxiety and depression for some people, and gaming can have different effects on social connections.
New research published in sociological focus It builds on existing research suggesting the importance of social connections and support for online gamers. In this study, Dr. Tyler Proschnow and Dr. Meg Patterson of the Department of Health Behavior, Texas A&M University School of Public Health, along with colleagues from the University of North Carolina and Baylor University, used social network analysis to . The structure of online gaming sites at two points in time. The purpose of this analysis was to see how social support, sense of community, and depressive symptoms influence social connectedness over time.
The researchers analyzed a social network made up of members of an online soccer simulation game site, surveying members at the beginning and end of a gaming season. In the game, the player plays as the head coach of his football team and he competes with other members of the site over a period of 10 months. Members can communicate directly with each other through the site’s forums, chat, and direct messaging features.
“We wanted to showcase the community building and informal relationships that are built through these online settings,” Proschnow said. “Many people feel a sense of community, support, and comfort through online gaming. We need to do a better job of measuring and fostering these connections to improve mental health in today’s digital age.” I think you need to.”
Both samples included 30 members, with 37 members responding to the survey at the beginning and 40 members responding last. The researchers collected data on age, gender, other demographic factors, and the number of hours members spent on gaming sites and other video games. Members also completed survey items regarding their perceptions of symptoms of depression and their ability to talk to someone about their problems. The researchers also asked members to list people in real life and on gaming sites with whom they had discussed important matters in life.
Research shows that there is a correlation between the strength of your social network and depression, and the stronger your social network, the better your chances of finding support. Informal social networks, such as those found in online games, can play an important role in coping with stressors and seeking formal help for anxiety and depression. This, combined with the finding that people turn to social networks for help when they are in trouble, gives this study even more validity.
The study found that social support, sense of community, and symptoms of depression played a role in driving changes in the social structure of the game over time. Researchers observed that people who reported more social support online and less support in real life were more likely to reach out to other members. They also found that communication ties were more likely to form when communication was reciprocating or transitive (involving groups or clusters of three people). Additionally, players who spent more time on the site were more likely to have communication connections.
Researchers also found that members who reported feeling a greater sense of community and valuing being a part of the site were more likely to form communication bonds over time. Not only are these members more likely to connect, they may also feel more comfortable having conversations about real-life issues. This shows the importance of a sense of community on online gaming sites. However, online communities can have some drawbacks, including that sites can act as political and ideological echo chambers.
This study found that members with less real-life support were more likely to form communication ties, but members reporting more depressive symptoms were less likely to form communication ties over time. I pointed out. This may indicate a need for more formal support, including telemedicine mental health care options, for members experiencing symptoms of depression.
The results of this study add to existing research on the relationship between mental health, social support, and online gaming, and point to the need for further research into the complex relationship between these areas. Further research into these areas and their interactions will improve social connectedness and mental health in socially isolated communities and groups living during periods of social isolation, such as the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. may help inform interventions for