College Writing ll Essay #1
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Massachusetts, Lowell *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
1020
Subject
Communications
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
8
Uploaded by SargentOpossumMaster1015
Exploring Virtual Connections 1
Exploring the Dynamics of Virtual Connections: Insights from Online Friendships in
Gaming and Social Media
Makeighla K. Marston
University of Massachusetts: Lowell
College Writing II (Fall 2023)
Dr. Mariealana Salamone
October 1, 2023
Exploring Virtual Connections 2
Abstract
This essay explores the dynamics of online friendships within the context of gaming and social media by conducting an interview with an experienced online gamer, Vivian. The paper investigates whether online friendships align with the concepts of enhanced online social capital and offline civic engagement as proposed by Amichai-Hamburger et al., as well as the phenomenon of deindividuation in online environments discussed by Madigan. Vivian's experiences demonstrate the potential for online gaming friendships to transcend language barriers and geographical boundaries, fostering trust, cooperation, and emotional support akin to in-person friendships. The interview findings support the claims made by Amichai-Hamburger et
al. regarding the positive impacts of online friendships, while also illustrating the concept of online disinhibition described by Stuart & Scott. This paper sheds light on the multifaceted nature of online friendships and their transformative impact on individuals in the digital age.
Keywords: online friendships, gaming, social media, online social capital, offline civic
engagement, deindividuation, online disinhibition, emotional support, digital age, transformative
impact.
Exploring Virtual Connections 3
Introduction
In the digital age, the landscape of friendship has evolved significantly, largely due to the
rise of online gaming and social media platforms. This transformation has raised important questions about the nature of online friendships, their impact on individuals, and their potential benefits and drawbacks. Vivian, a long-time online gamer, shared her experiences which shed light on the complexities of these friendships, allowing us to evaluate the claims made by Amichai-Hamburger et al. in their article "Friendship: an old concept with a new meaning?" and Stuart & Scott's "The Measure of Online Disinhibition (MOD): Assessing Perceptions of reductions in restraint in the online environment." Online gaming and social media friendships, as exemplified by the benefits of collective play within virtual worlds, provide a valuable avenue
for individuals to forge meaningful connections, thereby enhancing online social capital, mitigating feelings of social isolation, and even fostering increased engagement in offline civic activities. Online Friendships: A Catalyst for Social Capital
Amichai-Hamburger et al. posit that online friendships, particularly within the context of online gaming, contribute to enhanced online social capital and increased offline civic engagement. Vivian's experiences align with this notion, as she describes forming a meaningful friendship with a player from Europe while collaborating on a challenging raid. Despite a language barrier, they communicated effectively through in-game emotes and established a bond
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Exploring Virtual Connections 4
that extended beyond the virtual world. Vivian's example illustrates how online friendships can foster a sense of trust and cooperation, contributing to social capital development. It suggests that
the benefits of online friendships reach beyond the digital realm, enhancing offline social interactions and civic engagement.
Deindividuation in Online Gaming
Madigan's concept of "deindividuation" in online spaces describes how individuals may lose their sense of identity and restraint, leading to negative behaviors. Vivian's account of encountering a toxic player in her online gaming experience supports this idea. The individual in question constantly trolled and harassed other players, including Vivian, demonstrating a lack of restraint and empathy. This negative encounter highlights the potential for deindividuation in online gaming environments, where individuals may feel emboldened to behave in ways they wouldn't in face-to-face interactions.
The Special Bond of Online Gamer Friends
Vivian's closest online friend, Mike, exemplifies the unique nature of online friendships. They have been gaming together for seven years and have shared numerous virtual adventures. What sets this friendship apart is the depth of shared experiences in the virtual world. Despite never meeting in person, Vivian feels a strong sense of trust and reliance on Mike, akin to her real-life friends. This demonstrates the potential for online gaming friendships to transcend geographical boundaries and provide emotional support comparable to offline friendships.
Exploring Virtual Connections 5
Furthermore, the phenomenon of online social support aligns with the following observation; “Research indicates that online social support has been shown to proffer the same benefits as offline support, including improved social and emotional well-being, and more active coping strategies. These benefits have been well documented among individuals struggling with a wide range of health conditions, including eating disorders, HIV/AIDS, fibromyalgia, arthritis, mental health difficulties, and cancer (Zabinski, Wilfley, Calfas, Winzelberg, & Taylor, 2004; Mo & Coulson, 2010; van Uden-Kraan, Drossaert, Taal, Seydel, & van de Laar, 2009; Webb, Burns, & Collin, 2008; Lieberman & Goldstein, 2005). This is a particularly interesting phenomenon because it runs counter to the natural order of offline friendship. Offline, a friendship tends to develop gradually and only after a certain stage is reached will friends open up and ask for assistance. Online, however, a strong friendship may be formed by the seeking, giving, or receiving assistance as the opening gambit” (Amichai-Hamburger et al., 2013). Initial Experiences in Online Gaming
Vivian's description of her early experiences in online gaming reflects the initial challenges and rewards of entering this digital realm. She encountered a learning curve, adapting to game mechanics, in-game culture, and communication with other players. These challenges parallel the findings of Amichai-Hamburger et al., who highlight the complexities of forming online friendships. The initial period of online gaming can be overwhelming, but with time and
Exploring Virtual Connections 6
the establishment of the first online friendships, it becomes a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The Transformative Impact of Online Gaming
Vivian emphasizes the transformative impact of online gaming on her life. It goes beyond
a mere hobby, serving as a social outlet, entertainment source, and relaxation method. Her global
network of online friends, developed through gaming, has enriched her life and broadened her horizons. This aligns with the idea put forth by Amichai-Hamburger et al. that online friendships have the potential to enhance an individual's social well-being. Additionally, online gaming has contributed to Vivian's personal growth, improving her problem-solving skills, teamwork, and communication abilities.
Comparative Analysis with Research Articles
Amichai-Hamburger et al.'s article highlights the concept of online social capital and its potential benefits. Vivian's experience corroborates their claims, as she formed a valuable friendship through online gaming, transcending language barriers and extending into offline interactions. This demonstrates that online friendships can indeed lead to enhanced social capital and increased offline civic engagement, supporting the assertions made by the authors.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Exploring Virtual Connections 7
Stuart & Scott's concept of online disinhibition, characterized by reduced restraint in online environments, is evident in Vivian's account of encountering a toxic player. This aligns with their assertion that online spaces may lead to behaviors individuals would not exhibit in face-to-face interactions. Vivian's experience serves as a practical example of online disinhibition, underscoring the importance of addressing toxicity in online gaming communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the interview with Vivian provides valuable insights into the dynamics of online friendships in the context of gaming. Her experiences mirror the claims made by Amichai-Hamburger et al. regarding the potential for online friendships to enhance social capital and increase offline civic engagement. Additionally, her encounter with a toxic player highlights the concept of online disinhibition discussed by Stuart & Scott. Vivian's story emphasizes the unique bond that can develop between online gamer friends, transcending geographical boundaries and offering emotional support akin to in-person friendships. Overall, online friendships in gaming have a significant impact on individuals, enriching their lives and providing opportunities for personal growth.
Exploring Virtual Connections 8
References
Amichai-Hamburger, Y., Kingsbury, M., & Schneider, B. H. (2013). Friendship: An old concept with a new meaning? Computers in Human Behavior
, 29
(1), 33–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.05.025 Stuart, J., & Scott, R. (2021). The measure of online disinhibition (mod): Assessing perceptions of reductions in restraint in the online environment. Computers in Human Behavior
, 114
, 106534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106534