Helping others in online games: prosocial behavior in cyberspace

Cyberpsychol Behav. 2008 Jun;11(3):344-6. doi: 10.1089/cpb.2007.0045.

Abstract

This study examined the reasons players help others in the virtual space of online games. Results of an online empirical survey indicated that both altruism and reciprocity influence prosocial behavior simultaneously. Additionally, the study found that male players are more likely than female players to seek friendship of opposite sex.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Altruism
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Friends / psychology
  • Helping Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Personality Inventory
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Social Behavior
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • User-Computer Interface*
  • Video Games*