The impacts of social interactions in MMORPGs on older adults’ social capital

Zhang, Fan; Kaufman, David

doi:10.1016/j.chb.2015.05.034

Cited by 71 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Although exploratory, this study raises questions about different roles of online media (for instance, email vs. social networking sites) on social capital. Likewise, Zhang and Kaufman [ 43 ] concluded that collaborative online gaming is positively associated with social capital amongst older adults (55+) when players enjoy their relationships and gameplay context. Though growing in popularity, this type of online activity is still marginal and highly selective in later life, as around 2% of players are aged 60+ [ 43 ].…”

Section: Social Capital Internet and Older Adultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social capital and Internet use in an age-comparative perspective with a focus on later life

et al. 2018

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Older adults (aged 65+) are still less likely to adopt the Internet when compared to other age groups, although their usage is increasing. To explore the societal effects of Internet usage, scholars have been using social capital as an analytical tool. Social capital pertains to the resources that are potentially available in one’s social ties. As the Internet becomes a prominent source of information, communication, and participation in industrialized countries, it is critical to study how it affects social resources from an age-comparative perspective. Research has found a positive association between Internet use and social capital, though limited attention has been paid to older adults. Studies have also found a positive association between social capital and wellbeing, health, sociability, and social support amongst older adults. However, little is known about how Internet usage or lack thereof relates to their social capital. To address this gap, we used a mixed-methods approach to examine the relationship between Internet usage and social capital and whether and how it differs by age. For this, we surveyed a representative sample of 417 adults (18+) living in Lisbon, Portugal, of which 118 are older adults. Social capital was measured through bonding, bridging, and specific resources, and analyzed with Latent Class Modeling and logistic regressions. Internet usage was measured through frequency and type of use. Fourteen follow-up semi-structured interviews helped contextualize the survey data. Our findings show that social capital decreased with age but varied for each type of Internet user. Older adults were less likely to have a high level of social capital; yet within this age group, frequent Internet users had higher levels than other users and non-users. On the one hand, the Internet seems to help maintain, accrue, and even mobilize social capital. On the other hand, it also seems to reinforce social inequality and accumulated advantage (known as the Matthew effect).

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Section: Social Capital Internet and Older Adultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social capital and Internet use in an age-comparative perspective with a focus on later life

et al. 2018

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“…Using the Internet (often measured as a yes/no response to whether someone regularly uses the Internet) is associated with lower depression and loneliness and higher levels of social support, life satisfaction, purpose in life, and social capital (e.g., bonding with others and bridging social networks). 1,15,16 Older adults often report using technology to prevent feelings of loneliness. 17 Indeed, there is a prospective link between Internet use and reduced depression that is mediated by decreases in loneliness and social isolation.…”

Section: The Benefits Of Social Technology Usementioning

confidence: 99%

The Benefits of Social Technology Use Among Older Adults Are Mediated by Reduced Loneliness

Chopik

2016

Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking

405

259

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Technology has the ability to enhance and enrich the lives of older adults by facilitating better interpersonal relationships. However, few studies have directly examined associations between technology use for social reasons and physical and psychological health among older adults. The current study examines the benefits of technology use in 591 older adults from the 2012 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (M age = 68.18, SD = 10.75; 55.5% female). Social technology use was assessed through five technology-based behaviors (i.e., using e-mail, social networking sites, online video/phone calls, online chatting/instant messaging, using a smartphone). Attitudes toward the usability and benefits of technology use were also assessed. Older adults had generally positive attitudes toward technology. Higher social technology use was associated with better self-rated health, fewer chronic illnesses, higher subjective well-being, and fewer depressive symptoms. Furthermore, each of the links between social technology use and physical and psychological health was mediated by reduced loneliness. Close relationships are a large determinant of physical health and well-being, and technology has the potential to cultivate successful relationships among older adults.

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“…The impact of computer-based gaming or online games on language learning have especially been significant. Studies on the use of virtual environments and online games in language learning have found benefits ranging from increased motivation and engagement to enhanced vocabulary gains, as well as expanded opportunities for communicative competence (Ariffin, 2012;Berns et al, 2013;Zhang & Kaufman, 2015;Hong et al, 2016;Zhang et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Applying Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) in EFL Teaching

Azman¹,

Dollsaid²

2019

Preprint

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This article explores the use of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) as a type of serious games that have English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning potentials. It highlights evidence from a case study which investigated the effects of role-playing in MMOGs on communication behaviours among EFL game players. Additionally, findings from the study elucidate the learning principles of good games that incorporate the dynamics of gaming which induce the language learner to be active generators of information, knowledge and language. Essentially the preliminary findings reported affirm the viability of online games as a potential tool for teaching and learning in the 4.0 era, which endeavours to engage the digital natives of the 21 st century. The study thus claims that MMOGs in particular the massively multiplayer online role-playing games or MMORPGs can facilitate in providing contextualized and authentic language interaction opportunities in English between online multilingual speakers.

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The impacts of social interactions in MMORPGs on older adults’ social capital

Cited by 71 publications

References 38 publications

Social capital and Internet use in an age-comparative perspective with a focus on later life

Social capital and Internet use in an age-comparative perspective with a focus on later life

The Benefits of Social Technology Use Among Older Adults Are Mediated by Reduced Loneliness

Applying Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) in EFL Teaching

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