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Social Capital Accumulation in Location-Based Mobile Game Playing: A Multiple-Process Approach
Hei-Tung Sung1, Leif Sigerson1, Cecilia Cheng1
1Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong , Pokfulam, Hong Kong .
Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking
|August 15, 2017
Summary
Location-based mobile games (LBMGs) can increase social capital. Playing these games encourages face-to-face interactions, which are key to building both bridging and bonding social capital among players.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- The popularity of Pokémon Go highlighted the social potential of location-based mobile games (LBMGs).
- Existing research has not explored the social benefits of LBMGs.
- LBMGs uniquely encourage players to engage with their physical surroundings and potentially interact face-to-face.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the social capital benefits of LBMGs.
- To compare social capital levels between LBMG and non-LBMG players.
- To propose and test a model explaining how LBMGs foster social capital.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 349 U.S. participants on their LBMG playing habits and social capital.
- Utilized social capital theories to frame the study.
- Developed and tested a multiple-process model for social capital accumulation in LBMG players.
Main Results:
- Face-to-face interaction was found to be critical for accumulating both bridging and bonding social capital in LBMG players.
- Increased communication frequency and self-disclosure mediated the relationship between LBMG play and social capital.
- The proposed model significantly explained social capital accrual among LBMG players.
Conclusions:
- LBMGs can be effective tools for promoting face-to-face interactions.
- Playing LBMGs can lead to significant increases in both bridging and bonding social capital.
- The findings support the use of LBMGs to foster community and social connections.
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