Though some parents may assume their children’s video gaming time prevents them from making real-world friends, a recent study indicates that gaming actually fosters social bonds among players themselves.
This article will examine how online gaming friendships can provide gamers of all ages an avenue to meet new people, strengthen existing relationships, and even mentor other gamers. Furthermore, we will discuss whether gaming friendships may benefit those who struggle in offline social situations such as autism.
They’re a great way to meet new people.
People have formed lasting friendships and even romantic partnerships through online gaming, even if the media reports stories of predators using gaming to target kids and adolescents. Studies show that gaming actually helps connect people in positive ways.
Playing multiplayer games allows you to meet new people from around the world. This is thanks to online gaming’s instant connection with every corner of the planet and hundreds of players from different nations playing your same game – opening up an opportunity to explore cultures, perspectives, and mindsets completely different than your own – it’s like traveling without all of the hassle!
Multiplayer games provide another effective way of staying in touch with distant friends, making it easier than ever for you and them to discuss the games they’re both playing and develop bonds between themselves. Many multiplayer titles now provide voice chat or party features so it is even simpler than before for you and them to communicate while enjoying one game together.
And with multiplayer gaming, you can even meet people you don’t live near by interacting with them – over half of gamers who participate in networked games report that they sometimes play with and against people they aren’t friends with due to “the Law of Familiarity”, which suggests that the more often we interact with someone the closer we become (Sabine, Leonard, & Keno 2012). This phenomenon holds particularly true with online multiplayer games where you are exposed to people worldwide; you can interact regularly within games while becoming familiar with them safe environments (Sabine, Leonard & Keno 2012).
They’re a great way to talk about your day.
While many may perceive gamers to spend most of their day staring at screens, it turns out they actually communicate while gaming through headsets and voice communication. Teen gamers in particular often use this method of communication with each other when discussing topics from schoolwork or work to strategizing in-game play – in fact 9 out of 10 online video-gaming boys and half of online video-gaming girls have reported communicating while gaming!
Chatting online gaming friends is not only a great way to pass time, but it’s also an opportunity for real life issues that might be bothering you to be addressed. Say you were invited to a friend’s party but decided instead to stay home and play your favorite game instead, this may lead to you missing out on real life events that might make you feel lonely and isolated over time; but when there’s a problem at hand they’ll always be there as support to find a solution together.
Gaming friendships can also remind us to cherish what’s good in our lives by reminding us there are people out there who care. This can be particularly helpful during stressful weeks or when feeling down about something in real life. Furthermore, gaming friendships provide great support and encouragement as they share common interests and goals; further studies would reveal whether there are any factors such as age, gender, family status or socio-economic status which influence this formation of friendships.
They’re a great way to bond.
However, contrary to popular opinion, multiplayer online games have actually been shown to help players build friendships through gaming in an enjoyable and productive manner. This is particularly evident in co-op games like Call of Duty and Mario Kart but even competitive ones have been found to create bonds among players due to providing shared experiences that foster trust, communication and teamwork.
Gaming also helps bring out people’s competitive side, encouraging healthy competition and pushing themselves to improve themselves. Gaming skills and habits learned can then be applied directly into real-life situations, helping players feel more at ease interacting with others both professionally and socially.
Gaming can also help us bond with friends and family. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive results of family members playing video games together: improved communication and stronger relationships; this is particularly evident when participating in co-op games which offer shared experiences which encourage communication and teamwork – in fact, one study conducted by New Media & Society showed couples playing co-op video games together experienced greater closeness than those who didn’t play co-op video games together!
Gaming as a form of bonding should be balanced with other activities, like family dinners, outdoor activities and hobbies not related to video gaming. But gaming can still provide a wonderful way for families with long distance relationships or limited personal contact to bond in ways that benefit everyone involved; particularly true if one member cannot always join another.
They’re a great way to get help.
Playing video games together with friends can provide an invaluable form of social support, particularly for individuals who find it hard to socialize face-to-face, such as those suffering from major depressive disorder or autism spectrum disorders. Gaming provides an alternative form of socialization which can help build skills and confidence necessary to interact more regularly in person, even using tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons as group therapy sessions.
Gaming communities online may often be perceived as isolating; however, online gaming communities can serve as an essential social connection for those without many other outlets. Teenagers who find talking directly to their peers challenging may find it easier discussing game strategy with their friends online. Furthermore, video games can be used to develop cognitive abilities like planning and multitasking; one study found playing balance board-related video games improved balance in people living with multiple sclerosis.
Gaming can become problematic if it replaces real-life social interactions or offers an illusionary sense of belonging. For instance, socially anxious and lackluster communicators might turn too often to gaming for companionship instead of going out and trying new activities or meeting people – leading to isolation and depression as time goes on. If this sounds familiar to you, speak with a therapist about ways online gaming might help rediscover passions while breaking up patterns of isolation.
They’re a great way to have fun.
Games offer endless entertainment. Social games that promote teamwork and cooperation to sandbox games where players explore virtual environments on their own can all provide something fun for all players, while online multiplayer games allow people from around the world to join forces – this type of multiplayer gaming can be especially helpful for children who may be shy or socially anxious as these experiences help develop skills while having a blast with friends! There are many kinds of guides online to take your skills to the next level and impress your friends. No matter how hard the game, you can always beat it with the help of the community. If you want PoE explained, this is the guide you need.
Gaming offers more than just entertainment; there are also many psychological and physical health benefits of gaming that can enhance your mood and reduce stress levels. According to research, nonviolent online games may even help lower blood pressure and heart rates due to providing an escape from daily worries that allows one to relax and unwind more fully. But beware – online games can become addictive quickly so be mindful when engaging in them and make sure you balance this activity with other forms of recreation such as physical activities, socializing with family and friends or reading books!
As much as the stereotype of socially inept basement dwelling online gamers has become entrenched in popular culture, it’s important to remember there are numerous ways gaming can bring pleasure and benefit – from social games that let you connect with people all around the globe to concentration enhancing games – there’s much to love about gaming! So the next time you find yourself feeling blue or low-spirited, pick up your console and enjoy an engaging game!
