What is it about?
This study looks at why some adults get overly involved in online video games, specifically Massive Multi-user Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). While playing these games can be fun and offer some benefits, like making friends online or improving technology skills, some adults start to experience problems. These problems can affect their daily life, including work or relationships, because they spend too much time playing. The study interviews seven adults who have been playing these games for at least five years to understand what drives their gaming behavior. The results show that while these players get some positive experiences, like feeling more focused or connected to others, they also develop unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that interfere with their daily lives. The study helps us understand the balance of benefits and negative impacts of playing these types of games for extended periods.
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Why is it important?
This study is important because it sheds light on the psychological and behavioral impacts of excessive online gaming, which is a growing concern, especially among adults aged 20 to 40. As more people turn to online games for entertainment and social connection, it is crucial to understand how these games can affect their well-being. The findings highlight both the positive and negative aspects of online gaming, giving us a deeper understanding of the motivations behind this behavior and its potential to become problematic. This knowledge is important for developing strategies to help individuals who may be at risk of gaming addiction or other related issues, and it can inform future interventions to support healthy gaming habits.
Perspectives
I was driven by the increasing number of adults who find themselves struggling with the balance between enjoying online games and dealing with the consequences of problematic gaming behavior. I wanted to explore the reasons behind these behaviors—why some people can play in moderation while others become deeply immersed to the point where it affects their lives. Through interviews with participants, I found that while MMORPGs offer benefits like improved focus and technology skills, they also lead to maladaptive thinking patterns and unhealthy behaviors. The complexity of online gaming’s impact on adults is something I hope will spark further research. My goal was to provide a clearer picture of how motivation and cognitive-behavioral factors influence online gaming, so we can better understand how to support those who may be struggling with gaming-related issues.
Assoc. Prof. Ezra N. S. Lockhart
National University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Motivation and Cognitive-Behavioral Factors in Problematic Online Gaming, January 2022, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-5086-5_4.
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