Online gaming communities have become popular over the past years, providing players with a unique social interaction and connection platform. Millions of people sign on to online gaming communities every single day, making it a great way to connect with others across the globe.
Some of the hottest online gaming communities for building social connections are Fortnite, World of Warcraft, and League of Legends. Another platform you may have yet to try is an online Bitcoin casino like this one . As the phrase explains, it allows players to have a fully digital experience, even including the new way of payments.
Whatever online game you choose, you cannot dispute the social benefits. Through voice and text chat, online games can foster a sense of community and provide real psychological benefits. And many gamers believe that it helps them build relationships. Here are some ways that online gaming communities foster social connections.
Meet People Across the World
Online gaming communities allow people to meet each other who live in completely different time zones! Since online gaming allows people to chat with others across the globe, it’s a great way to connect with like-minded individuals worldwide. It allows players the ability to learn about new cultures otherwise they may not have been exposed to.
Using Voice Chat to Connect with Other Gamers
One of the critical ways that online gaming communities build social connections is with voice chat. Gamers can communicate with each other in real time, regardless of whether they are in the world. Players can share stories, jokes, and even bond on personal struggles. You can also use the chat feature to connect with others, using special applications on your devices.
While the common perception is that video game conversations are mostly negative, research has shown that most of the messages people sent while playing a game were used to interact with others positively.
Creating Bonds with Others by Sharing the Same Hobbies
One of the most significant ways online gaming communities build social connections with others is by providing players with a sense of belonging and acceptance for players. Since players likely share the same interests and hobbies, online gaming communities allow people to connect with others who share their interests.
Gamers often report that sharing common interests can help build friendships and relationships. These friendships are as real as any offline friendships and should not be dismissed simply because they are mediated through technology.
Video Games as Safe Places
Strong evidence suggests video games can be a safe place to experiment with social interactions for vulnerable people. Those with autism spectrum disorders, insecure attachment styles, social anxiety, or depressive systems may find comfort in connecting with others in an environment with little to no pressure. Video games and other online spaces are “safe” for these individuals because they allow people to communicate when they want to, with little or no pressure to respond immediately and without requiring them to be in the same physical space with others.
Successful conversations require a wide variety of skills that many take for granted, such as reading body language, understanding tone of voice, maintaining eye contact, and rapidly comprehending and responding to information. Online video games can allow players to talk to others and make friends at their current ability level even when they are not emotionally or physically able to leave their homes. This can help build the skills and confidence necessary to try it in-person.
Connect without Leaving the Home
If the pandemic taught us one thing, it’s that humans crave social connection. Online video games allow players to talk to others and make friends virtually without leaving their homes. During an isolated time, such as the pandemic, online video games brought people closer, allowing them an opportunity to socialize.
For those that may not be emotionally or physically able to leave their home, video games help build the social skills and confidence necessary to try it in person. Research shows that many people who meet while playing online video games end up spending time with those people outside of the virtual world.
Health Levels of Competition
It’s no surprise that online games foster a sense of competition and achievement. Players can work together to complete difficult challenges, earn rewards, and rise through the ranks of the game’s community. We see this in multiplayer games, too. Collaboration with other players may be a requirement for making progress in a game. This creates a great sense of accomplishment and strengthens bonds between players.
Practice Conflict Resolution
Online video games can help players improve their conflict resolution skills. As players work together to achieve a common goal, this cooperation requires effective communication. Players can learn to work through disagreements and conflicts constructively.
Online video games are shown to help players learn to handle conflict positively and constructively. It allows everyone to practice their conflict resolution skills and receive feedback on their performance from other players on what worked well and what could be improved.
Conflict resolution is a key social skill players can use in their personal and professional lives.
Video Games are Social Spaces that Allow People to Connect
While many people think online video games are a waste of time and do not foster a sense of connection, research shows this is simply not true. It’s quite the opposite. Gamers will talk and connect with like-minded individuals across the world and could practice their social skills through the online gaming platform. This is incredibly helpful in fostering connections while building the confidence and skills to interact face-to-face.
Whether it’s dabbling in gambling through an online Bitcoin casino or playing a popular game like Fortnite or World of Warcraft, online gaming proves to be a worthwhile activity that can foster authentic and genuine social connections.
