Abstract
Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) have received considerable attention in news headlines describing gamers who have
died while engaging in excessive play. However, more common physical and psychosocial effects attributed to online video gaming
are social isolation, increased aggression, and negative academic and occupational consequences. In consideration of the bias
in reporting negative consequences of video gaming, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the evidence of the effects
of MMOGs on those who play them. In the sixteen studies that met the inclusion criteria, analysis revealed that only those
players who were classified as “addicted” or engaged in “problematic game play” experienced significant negative consequences,
with many gamers finding positive aspects to video gaming such as enjoyment, feelings of achievement, friendship, and a sense
of community. However, significant limitations in the studies point to the need for further research so that appropriate treatments
and interventions can be developed for problematic game play.
died while engaging in excessive play. However, more common physical and psychosocial effects attributed to online video gaming
are social isolation, increased aggression, and negative academic and occupational consequences. In consideration of the bias
in reporting negative consequences of video gaming, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the evidence of the effects
of MMOGs on those who play them. In the sixteen studies that met the inclusion criteria, analysis revealed that only those
players who were classified as “addicted” or engaged in “problematic game play” experienced significant negative consequences,
with many gamers finding positive aspects to video gaming such as enjoyment, feelings of achievement, friendship, and a sense
of community. However, significant limitations in the studies point to the need for further research so that appropriate treatments
and interventions can be developed for problematic game play.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-010-9304-3
- Authors
- Victoria Anne Sublette, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Brennan MacCallum Room 446, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Barbara Mullan, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Brennan MacCallum Room 446, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874