Social Networking or Social Isolation? A Systematic Review on Socio-Relational Outcomes for Members of Online Gaming Communities

Abstract

Recent technological advancements, increased access to gaming setups, and the emergence of free-to-play multiplayer games have contributed to a dramatic rise in the number of players gaming online and subsequently becoming a part of gaming communities. This systematic review explored the impact of being in an online gaming community on socio-relational outcomes, and variables that impacted the relation between gaming community membership and socio-relational outcomes. After screening PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science, 24 articles (15,451 players) were included. Results showed a predominantly positive influence of community membership on socio-relational outcomes of friendship, social skills, and social capital. Community-related variables (community size, social interaction, aim of community formation) and game characteristics that interacted with the gaming community (collective play, cooperation, learning to achieve game objectives) impacted the relationship between community membership and social capital. For some players, however, online social capital increased at the expense of offline social capital.