Social Capital in World of Warcraft: The Role of Introversion

• In Event: Extended Session: Let Me Entertain You! Digital Games, Driving Forces, and Experience

Abstract

POSTER PROPOSAL: Some studies indicated that playing online games yields a ‘rich-get-richer effect’ and is especially socially beneficial for extraverted players (e.g. Shen & Williams, 2011), while other authors argue that online gaming could have compensational effects for shy players (e.g. Kowert et al., 2014). The current study (N= 409) shows that both perspectives are not mutually exclusive. Path analysis revealed that extraverted World of Warcraft players act more socially towards fellow players and hence have better chances to build up social capital than introverts. However, a subgroup of the introverted players used the game for social compensation. These players chose a more social playing style, which increased their chances to acquire social capital. The results demonstrate that the group of introverted players is more heterogeneous than previously thought and that the links between personality aspects and social outcomes of playing are quite complex and rather indirect than direct.

Author

• Felix Reer, University of Muenster