The Implications of Coplay for Generalized Trust in and beyond a Chinese MMOG World

• In Event: 464 - Section on Communication and Information Technologies Paper Session. Open Topic on Communication, Media, and/or Information Technologies

Abstract

Although an emerging literature has demonstrated social and civic potentials of Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs), few studies have assessed their implications for generalized trust. Drawing on a large sample of Chevaliers’ Romance III (CR3) players, this research examines how gamers’ motivational, behavioral, and relational factors are related to generalized trust in China. Adopting a coplaying-centered approach, results show that trust is enabled and constrained by how the game is played. Competition motivation, competency preference in teammates, and having more weak-tie confidants as coplayers are positively associated with generalized trust, while social motivation, homophily preference, and having more strong-tie confidants as coplayers are negatively associated. This research highlights the importance of contextualizing gaming implications in specific social and institutional contexts.

Authors

• Wenhong Chen, University of Texas-Austin

• Cuihua Shen, University of California-Davis

• Gejun Huang, University of Texas-Austin