Being a kid again: Playing Pokémon Go contributes to wellbeing through nostalgia

Wulf, Tim; Baldwin, Matthew

doi:10.5771/2192-4007-2020-2-241

Cited by 23 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Digital games, sometimes referred to as video games or computer games, are a popular medium and can even be considered a form of culture (Berger, 2017). Also, communication and media research has dedicated substantial research interest to digital games (e.g., Wulf and Baldwin, 2020). Moreover, the gaming industry has become a multi-billion-dollar business (Dillon, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Of Time Gals and Mega Men: Empirical Findings on Gender Differences in Digital Game Genre Preferences and the Accuracy of Respective Gender Stereotypes

2021

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We investigated the accuracy of gender stereotypes regarding digital game genre preferences. In Study 1, 484 female and male participants rated their preference for 17 game genres (gender differences). In Study 2, another sample of 226 participants rated the extent to which the same genres were presumably preferred by women or men (gender stereotypes). We then compared the results of both studies in order to determine the accuracy of the gender stereotypes. Study 1 revealed actual gender differences for most genres—mostly of moderate size. Study 2 revealed substantial gender stereotypes about genre preferences. When comparing the results from both studies, we found that gender stereotypes were accurate in direction for most genres. However, they were, to some degree, inaccurate in size: For most genres, gender stereotypes overestimated the actual gender difference with a moderate mean effect size.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Of Time Gals and Mega Men: Empirical Findings on Gender Differences in Digital Game Genre Preferences and the Accuracy of Respective Gender Stereotypes

2021

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“…It can be assumed that wallowing in memories of pre-COVID-19-times may hold meaningful experiences and may serve as a “psychological shelter” from the current situation, at least for a certain time. Following previous research showing that nostalgic media use can increase psychological well-being (Bonus et al, 2018; Wulf & Baldwin, 2020; Wulf et al, 2020), we assume that nostalgic media use may have been a coping strategy for dealing with stress and anxiety during the pandemic. To investigate this assumption, we conducted a survey in Germany during the first so-called lockdown in late April and early May 2020.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Escaping the pandemic present: The relationship between nostalgic media use, escapism, and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wulf¹,

Breuer²,

Schmitt³

2022

Psychology of Popular Media

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Research has shown that entertainment media can make people experience nostalgia, a mixed emotion triggered by fond memories, which can function as a resource for well-being in times of strain. Accordingly, people may be especially motivated to consume nostalgia-inducing media in times of crisis. One such crisis that has strongly affected the personal lives of most people around the world is the global COVID-19 pandemic. In our study, we investigate the role of nostalgic media use during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigate whether nostalgic media use has increased during the early 2020 lockdown, what kinds of media people used to become nostalgic, and how nostalgic media use is associated with well-being and escapism. In a cross-sectional panel survey conducted during lockdown measures in Germany in April and May 2020, participants (N = 534) were asked about their current stress, fear of isolation, nostalgic media usage, and functional as well as dysfunctional escapism. Controlling for nostalgia proneness, our findings indicate that nostalgic media usage was positively associated with fear of isolation and that it was related to both functional and dysfunctional escapism. Respondents in our survey most commonly used music, movies, and series and also (audio-) books, videogames, and private photos and videos to become nostalgic. Overall, our findings indicate that media-induced nostalgia may function as a resource to cope with social stress (fear of isolation) for some people during the lockdown measures and that this coping strategy may have both functional as well as dysfunctional components. Public Policy Relevance StatementThis research offers evidence that fear of isolation that many people experienced during the lockdown measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic is positively related to the consumption of media that elicits nostalgia. Moreover, nostalgia was positively related to both functional and dysfunctional escapism. These findings indicate that people may use nostalgia-inducing media as a coping mechanism to deal with fears related to social isolation during times of social distances.

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“…Moreover, the playing of LBG-Pokémon GO brought up childhood memories of the participants. The participants would recall, replay, indulge and nally practise in real life what they could remember, enjoy, and retrieve from the memories [69,70]. Another study indicated that by the sharing of a common and intentional goal among the participants could help to intensify their pursuit of the goal [71].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pi-kaPika: A qualitative study for trainer-owned Pokémon

Yip¹

2021

Preprint

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Objective To explore insights of young people’s experiences and motivations in Pokémon GO in Hong Kong. The perspectives of young people through qualitative focus group interviews. Results Eight focus group discussions with young people (n=45; age from 18-25 years old) recruited in Hong Kong. We analysed the discussions using a thematic approach. Five theme categories emerged from data analysis: missing out or self-regulation, childhood memories of Pokémon, extending virtual-reality exploration, spending more time outdoors for walking and exercise, gathering together and socially interacting with others. This study sets the way for a deeper analysis of motivation factors to young people that indicate the increasing playing location-based game (LBG) via smartphones worldwide among all cohorts of society. This relatively new phenomenon of LBG may impact players’ movement, social activity, and behaviour to gain a common goal into the preferences and effects of playing LBG for young people.

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Being a kid again: Playing Pokémon Go contributes to wellbeing through nostalgia

Cited by 23 publications

References 54 publications

Of Time Gals and Mega Men: Empirical Findings on Gender Differences in Digital Game Genre Preferences and the Accuracy of Respective Gender Stereotypes

Of Time Gals and Mega Men: Empirical Findings on Gender Differences in Digital Game Genre Preferences and the Accuracy of Respective Gender Stereotypes

Escaping the pandemic present: The relationship between nostalgic media use, escapism, and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pi-kaPika: A qualitative study for trainer-owned Pokémon

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