Exploring Small Group Discussion Networks in Online Games

• In Event: The Messy Intersection of Games and Governance, Both Within and Surrounding Games (High-Density)

Abstract

This paper looks at how groups embedded in an online game naturally develop network structures through information exchange to solve a task cooperatively. Using social network data collected from an online game called Second Life, we explored direct and indirect reciprocity in information exchange patterns shown from the discussion network. We found that reciprocity was present in the discussion network and indirect reciprocity was more frequently observed than indirect reciprocity.

Authors

• Joomi Lee, Michigan State University

• Qi Hao, Michigan State U