Can You Hear Me Through the Glass? Understanding Communication and Relationships in World of Warcraft
Location
CSU 204
Start Date
27-4-2009 8:00 AM
End Date
27-4-2009 10:00 AM
Student's Major
Communication Studies
Student's College
Arts and Humanities
Mentor's Name
Warren Sandmann
Mentor's Department
Communication Studies
Mentor's College
Arts and Humanities
Description
As the world becomes more connected with the internet, so evolves our methods of communication. One specific medium where methods of communication are combined is online role playing games. In my research project I examined the different modes of communication (text, voice, proxemics) in the mass multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft, I examined if and how these different modes of communication affect the creation and deepening of relationships online. The need for social interaction in these online games and improved communication has greatly increased the social networking characteristics of these games. I worked to understand how the use of voice and an avatar along with text each affect how the relationships are formed. In interviewing some frequent World of Warcraft players I was able to draw some interesting implications from my research along with more questions for the future.
Can You Hear Me Through the Glass? Understanding Communication and Relationships in World of Warcraft
CSU 204
As the world becomes more connected with the internet, so evolves our methods of communication. One specific medium where methods of communication are combined is online role playing games. In my research project I examined the different modes of communication (text, voice, proxemics) in the mass multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft, I examined if and how these different modes of communication affect the creation and deepening of relationships online. The need for social interaction in these online games and improved communication has greatly increased the social networking characteristics of these games. I worked to understand how the use of voice and an avatar along with text each affect how the relationships are formed. In interviewing some frequent World of Warcraft players I was able to draw some interesting implications from my research along with more questions for the future.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Grant. "Can You Hear Me Through the Glass? Understanding Communication and Relationships in World of Warcraft." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 27, 2009.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2009/oral-session-02/1