MMO Games and Effects on Socialization

The article on GameSpy, I believe, had an interesting viewpoint or perspective as far as social nature is concerned. Traditionally speaking, most people, as stated in the article, would consider online game play as an anti-social event because it doesn't involve direct interaction with others. In contrast to this, the article demonstrates that online game play can actually be an alternate form of social interaction for people who may be rather shy.

Personally, I believe this can be both helpful and hurtful in terms of healthy socialization. I don't think, however, that this viewpoint would be a total paradox.

For people who may be shy or self-conscious, MMO games provide a way for individuals to connect with others and make friends without all of the awkwardness that is associated with meeting new people face-to-face. For example, such things as physical appearance, silence or breaks in conversation, and setting can be major issues for those who are shy. Online gaming takes away, or at the very least, minimizes all of these potential problems. In a positive sense, it is possible for online gaming to actually help facilitate friendships. For example, as shown by the photo in the article, often times with MMO games, groups/clans are formed and members may decide to hold a gathering. At this point, usually a period of time has passed since the group was formed. Therefore, the potential issues mentioned before can become less problematic. As noted in the article, the game is often the "ice breaker" of conversation, which helps people relax and feel less anxious.

In opposition to this, as stated earlier, use of MMO game play as a form of social interaction can be negative. For some people, I believe, it may actually promote more reclusive behavior. For example, if an individual MMO gamer becomes an active group member, they may become reliant on the group for positive social emotions. In other words, the individual might create an illusion. In some cases, friends within a group are at considerable geographical distances from each other. Thus, meeting in person would be quite difficult. Also, an individual may build a level of comfort that could prohibit them from seeking direct socialization. This level of comfort would serve as a barrier, possibly making it even harder to form regular friendships. In addition to this, it could act as a form of reinforcement. A person would begin to learn that when associating with other MMO gamers, they end up feeling content. Over time, they would subconsciously repeat the activity as a form of positive behavior.