Curing toxicity – developing design principles to buffer toxic behaviour in massive multiplayer online games

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bastian Kordyaka ◽  
Björn Kruse
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Design Principles ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Online Video ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Video Games

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate toxic behaviour (TB) that significantly harms individuals’ gameplay experience in multiplayer online video games. Multiplayer online video games allow to simultaneously interact with others in real time. They can be considered as digital communities unifying a group of players within a video game. TB is characterized by spreading a bad mood (e.g. upsetting and insulting) leading to unsatisfying outcomes in team-based multiplayer environments. Design/methodology/approach Using mixed methods, the authors show that handling TB should be addressed more firmly on a level of game design. First, the authors test the explanatory power of the online disinhibition effect (ODE) and its antecedents on TB using a quantitative survey (N = 320) and structural equation modelling. Specifically, the authors show that dissociative anonymity, asynchronicity, solipsistic introjection, dissociative imagination and minimization of authority have a mediated effect through toxic disinhibition as predictors of TB. Second, the authors conduct a focus group workshop (N = 10) with experts from diverse disciplines to derive design principles on a level of game design. Findings The results indicate that transparency and imminent feedback are still underutilized elements in game design that can significantly buffer several forms of TB. By developing a heuristic prototype and exemplary design principles in subsequent categories, the authors address all relevant in-game scenarios. With this study, the authors provide researchers and practitioners helpful insights on how to increase the well-being and safety of gaming communities. Originality/value ODE already showed its explanatory potential in the neighbouring context of cyberbullying. Embedded in theories of negative behaviour on the internet, the authors propose a holistic and theory-driven approach to handle TB on a level of game design. The authors’ insights allow for a better understanding of an innovative entity of the dark side of technology diffusion and adverse side effects linked to it.

Gaming the gamer? – The ethics of exploiting psychological research in video games

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnny Hartz Søraker
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
User Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ethical implications of video game companies employing psychologists and using psychological research in game design. Design/methodology/approach The author first argues that exploiting psychology in video games may be more ethically problematic than familiar application domains like advertising, gambling and political rhetoric. Then an overview of the effects particular types of game design may have on user behavior is provided, taking into account various findings and phenomena from behavioral psychology and behavioral economics. Findings Finally, the author concludes that the corresponding ethical problems cannot – and should not – be addressed by means of regulation or rating systems. The author argues instead that a more promising countermeasure lies in using the same psychological research to educate gamers (children in particular) and thereby increase their capacity for meta-cognition. Originality/value The importance of this lies in the tremendous effect these behavior-modifying technologies may have upon our self-determination, well-being and social relations, as well as corresponding implications for the society.

Exploring the use of online video games to detect personality dichotomies

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 598-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Feldman ◽  
Ariel Monteserin ◽  
Analía Amandi
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Personality Trait ◽  
User Profile ◽  
Classification Algorithms ◽  
Online Video ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Science Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Software Applications ◽  
Online Video Games

Purpose Personality trait detection is a problem that has been gaining much attention in the computer science field recently. By leveraging users’ personality knowledge software applications are able to adapt their behaviour accordingly. To detect personality traits automatically users must substantially interact with software applications to gather enough information that describe their behaviour. For addressing this limitation, the authors explore the use of online video games as an alternative approach to detect personality dichotomies. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyse the use of several online video games that exhibit features related with Myers-Briggs sensitive-intuitive personality dichotomy. Then, the authors build a user profile that describes users’ behaviour when interacting with online video games. Finally, the authors identify users’ personality by analysing their profile with different classification algorithms. Findings The results show that games that obtained better results in the personality dichotomy detection exhibit features that had better match with the sensitive-intuitive dichotomy preferences. Moreover, the results show that the classification algorithms should satisfactorily deal with unbalanced data sets, since it is natural that the frequencies of the dichotomies types are unbalanced. In addition, in the context of personality trait detection, online video games possess several advantages over other type of software applications. By using games, users do not need to have previous experience, since they learn how to play during gameplay. Furthermore, the information and time needed to predict the sensitive-intuitive dichotomy using games is little. Originality/value This study shows that online video games are a promising environment in which the users’ personality dichotomies can be detected.

Penerimaan Teman Sebaya, Kesepian, dan Kecanduan Bermain Gim Daring pada Remaja di Jakarta

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Octavianus Prabowo ◽  
Juneman Juneman
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Peer Acceptance ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Online Video ◽  
Sample Data ◽  
Diagnosis Criteria ◽  
Online Video Games ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Mediator Variable

Indonesia’s youth has been facing several significant problems such as drug addiction and online-video games addiction. The Indonesia Manual for Classification and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders (PPDGJ III) has not yet included diagnosis criteria for online-video games addiction. This research was the first to find the relationship between online-video games addiction with a predictor that is peer-acceptance and a mediator variable that is loneliness. Path analysis with Structural Equation Model was applied to 133 sample data of Jakartan teenagers aged 12-18. The result showed that hypothesized research model was suitable to the empirical data (÷2 = 1,56; p > 0,05; GFI > 0,90). If the addicted teenagers perceived that they are not accepted by their peers, followed by strong feelings of loneliness, this psychological situation worsened their addiction to online-video games.

Towards a unified theory of toxic behavior in video games

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 1081-1102
Author(s):  
Bastian Kordyaka ◽  
Katharina Jahn ◽  
Bjoern Niehaves
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Unified Theory ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Online Disinhibition

PurposeToxic behavior in multiplayer video games diminishes the potential revenue of gaming companies by spreading a bad mood, negatively affecting game play, and subsequently leading to the churn of players. However, research investigating why toxic behavior occurs is still scarce. To address this issue, this study disjunctively tests three different theoretical approaches (social cognitive theory, theory of planned behavior, and online disinhibition effect) to explain toxic behavior and propose a unified theory of toxic behavior.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 320 respondents participated in a questionnaire study. This study analyzes the data with covariance-based statistics (i.e. regression analysis and structural equation modelling), and the approach is twofold. First, the hypotheses of three theories are disjunctively tested. Second, a unified theory of toxic behavior is proposed.FindingsThe results of this study indicate that online disinhibition best explains toxic behavior, whereby toxic behavior victimization, attitude, and behavioral control also play an important role.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study offer an opportunity to better understand a contemporary and especially meaningful form of negative behavior online.Practical implicationsTo maintain revenue and popularity, the computer game industry can use the findings of this study to prevent and better address toxic behavior and its negative consequences.Originality/valueToxic behavior among video game players is a relatively new and unexplored phenomenon; therefore, this study makes a valuable contribution to the research field by testing the explanatory power of three theoretical approaches and proposing a unified theory of toxic behavior.

scholarly journals The role of ideal self-congruence and brand attachment in consumers’ negative behaviour

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 683-701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnold Japutra ◽  
Yuksel Ekinci ◽  
Lyndon Simkin ◽  
Bang Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Compulsive Buying ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Ideal Self ◽  
Brand Attachment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Buying Behaviour ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of ideal self-congruence in instigating two types of negative consumer behaviours – compulsive buying and external trash-talking – and the mediating role of brand attachment on these relationships. Design/methodology/approach Two studies were designed using a structural equation modelling methodology. Study 1a was based on a mail survey of 280 respondents, whereas Study 1b was based on an electronic survey of 152 respondents. Study 1b was conducted to test the external validity of the research model. Findings In Study 1a, ideal self-congruence affects emotional brand attachment and in turn emotional brand attachment affects compulsive buying behaviour and external trash-talking. The mediation analysis indicates that emotional brand attachment mediates the relationships. Study 1b offers support to the results of Study 1a. Practical implications From a practical point of view, this study is useful for policymakers seeking to regulate and prevent excessive consumerism. For marketers, they should understand that brand attachment leads to compulsive buying and external trash-talking, which may provide immediate benefit for the brand or the firm. However, marketers should understand that these two negative behaviours may harm the firm image and consumers’ well-being in the long run. Social implications Apart from practical implications, firms should consider alleviating compulsive buying, as it is harmful to society. Similarly, excessive external trash-talking may lead to physical aggression. Consumers expect firms to be socially responsible. Thus, firms should start conducting activities that promote responsible shopping and reduce external trash-talking. Originality/value The study highlights a dark side of ideal self-congruence and brand attachment. The results suggest that ideal self-congruence with the help of emotional brand attachment predicts compulsive buying behaviour and external trash-talking. This may not only damage brand image but also the consumers’ well-being.

scholarly journals Investigating multi-player online video games for brain-injured people

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 124-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Colman ◽  
Jim Briggs ◽  
Louise Turner ◽  
Alice Good
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Online Video ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Brain Injured ◽  
Online Video Games

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report a pilot experiment to test if multi-player online video games could provide a measurable cognitive therapeutic benefit for brain-injured people. Design/methodology/approach – Single-subject research design with n=3 brain-injured participants. Four alternating intervention and non-intervention weeks. Battery of cognitive tests taken at the start of the experiment and at the end of each week. Findings – Widely varying results with large standard deviation overall. Research limitations/implications – The experimental design was heavily reliant on multiple participants logging in at the same time. Server logs showed that this happened relatively rarely. Practical implications – Implications for the next iteration of the experiment are to refine the game design to avoid the need to synchronise the participants. The findings presented may be of practical use to other researchers in this area. Social implications – Acquired brain injury has been described as an epidemic, and is rising, with stroke being a leading cause. Traumatic brain injury (e.g. due to road traffic accident) has increasing prevalence in low-middle income countries. This research aims to provide a form of therapy to people for whom physical access to rehabilitation services is limited. Originality/value – The use of multi-player online video games as rehabilitation is a relatively unexplored area. A positive result in an experiment of this nature would indicate the potential for a new, complimentary form of cognitive therapy for brain-injured people.

Engaging leadership in the job demands-resources model

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 446-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilmar B. Schaufeli
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Organizational Outcomes ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to integrate leadership into the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. Based on self-determination theory, it was argued that engaging leaders who inspire, strengthen, and connect their followers would reduce employee’s levels of burnout and increase their levels of work engagement. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted among a representative sample of the Dutch workforce (n=1,213) and the research model was tested using structural equation modeling. Findings – It appeared that leadership only had an indirect effect on burnout and engagement – via job demands and job resources – but not a direct effect. Moreover, leadership also had a direct relationship with organizational outcomes such as employability, performance, and commitment. Research limitations/implications – The study used a cross-sectional design and all variables were based on self-reports. Hence, results should be replicated in a longitudinal study and using more objective measures (e.g. for work performance). Practical implications – Since engaged leaders, who inspire, strengthen, and connect their followers, provide a work context in which employees thrive, organizations are well advised to promote engaging leadership. Social implications – Leadership seems to be a crucial factor which has an indirect impact – via job demands and job resources – on employee well-being. Originality/value – The study demonstrates that engaging leadership can be integrated into the JD-R framework.

Work from home: Indonesian employees' mental well-being and productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Auditya Purwandini Sutarto ◽  
Shanti Wardaningsih ◽  
Wika Harisa Putri
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Well Being

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore to what extent employees' mental well-being affects their productivity while working from home (WFH) during the COVID-19 crisis and whether mental well-being and productivity differ across some socio-demographic factors.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study with online questionnaires was designed with 472 valid responses in Indonesia. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) were administered. Non-parametric tests and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the data.FindingsThe prevalence of depression was 18.4%, anxiety 46.4% and stress 13.1%, with relatively good productivity. Gender, age, education level, job experiences, marital status, number of children and nature of the organization were associated with the employees' psychological health but not with their productivity, while the workspace availability influenced both outcomes. The study path model showed the negative correlation between WFH employees' psychological well-being and productivity.Research limitations/implicationsThis study may contribute to the implication of current mandatory WFH on mental well-being and productivity. Further studies need to address the representativeness and generalizability issues as well as incorporating potential stressors.Practical implicationsOrganizations may adopt WFH as a future working arrangement and identify the individual and occupational characteristics that provide the most impacts on productivity. It is also necessary for them to develop proper strategies to mitigate the psychological risks and overcome the WFH challenges.Originality/valueThere is still a lack of studies investigating the relationship between simultaneous effects of WFH on psychological well-being and productivity, and how they affect some socio-demographic variables in the context of COVID-19.

Individual social entrepreneurial orientation in Brazil: measurement and the predictive role of personal values and attitude toward social change

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcia Maria Garçon ◽  
Vânia Maria Jorge Nassif ◽  
Tiago Jessé Souza de Lima
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Personal Values ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Transcendence

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model that aims to explain individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) focused on the context of social entrepreneurship (SE) (Social-IEO) by considering the personal values and attitude toward social change through direct and indirect effects. To achieve this purpose, the authors created and validated a scale to measure Social-IEO. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses scale construction techniques (DeVellis, 2016) and survey method for data collection. As such, this study was conducted by considering a sample of 198 social entrepreneurs. Multivariate data analysis and structural equation modeling are used to validate the theoretical model. Findings The Social-IEO scale was validated and shows to adequately encompass and measure the construct. The proposed model has predictive relevance and explains 45% of Social-IEO. Findings suggest that self-transcendence value has no direct effect on Social-IEO. Additionally, conservation and self-promotion values do not have a negative correlation with Social-IEO. Finally, attitude of social change has a strong explanatory power to Social-IEO. The findings offer important theoretical and practical implications for the field of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial behavior. Originality/value The definition of a specific concept of IEO applied to the context of SE contributes to the correct understanding of its dimensions, measurement and management. This eliminates a gap in studies and contributes to expand and strengthen research. It also provides an original empirical approach, as the method used to measure IEO in a reflective way is unusual in previous studies.

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