Loot Boxes, Problem Gambling, and Problem Gaming: A Critical Review of the Emerging Literature

2023 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: McCaffrey, Matthew

Abstract: The literature studying video game loot boxes is young but growing quickly. Giv ... Expand

Abstract: The literature studying video game loot boxes is young but growing quickly. Given the rapid proliferation of loot box research and its developing influence in public policy, a stocktaking and critical reflection are in order. This paper reviews the emerging literature on loot boxes and problematic behaviors such as problem gambling and problem gaming and describes some challenges facing this research. The main problems involve (1) the availability of relevant and useful data, choice of research subjects, and difficulties of reliable and representative sampling; (2) the use of research tools and methods that fail to take account of the unique characteristics of loot boxes; and (3) neglect of the underlying economic significance of loot box engagement, a necessity for considering the true social impact and the policy implications of loot boxes. Together, these challenges show clearly that loot box research has a long way to go before it can be relied on for practical purposes. The paper concludes by outlining a positive research program with a view to informing policy. Collapse

Topics: loot box database system video game video game addiction information system use

Methods: experiment survey personal interview self reported survey qualitative interview

Social Media Addiction: A Techno-centric View

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Zeng, Miaoyi; Armstrong, Deborah

Abstract: The current study take a techno-centric view and explore the role of technology ... Expand

Abstract: The current study take a techno-centric view and explore the role of technology in social media addiction from the affordance perspective. Drawing on the needs-affordances-features perspective and fit theory, we conceptualize the relationship between a user's need and a social media affordance as the needaffordance fit. Specifically, the current study investigates how this fit influences user behavior on social media, particularly social media addiction. The current study aims to generate several important implications. First, by discussing how a social media affordance fits with a user's need and eventually leads to social media addiction, this study underscores the role of technology in social media addiction at the forefront. Secondly, focusing on the potential outcomes of social media addiction, the need-affordance fit can serve as a mapping tool for organizations and individuals to identify what needs are driving behavior based on the most commonly used affordances. Collapse

Topics: social media social media addiction user experience affordance information system use

Methods: SEM tool structural equation modeling survey

Theories: theory of affordance unified theory of acceptance and use of technology

Personality Antecedents and Consequences of Internet Addiction Vis-à-vis Internet Habit: a Theory and an Empirical Investigation

2022 | Information Systems Frontiers | Citations: 0

Authors: Kuem, Jungwon; Ray, Soumya

Abstract: Researchers in information systems have studied how nonintentional elements of o ... Expand

Abstract: Researchers in information systems have studied how nonintentional elements of our psychology such as personality, addiction, and even sheer habit, can waylay us from our original purpose of using information technology. This study seeks to reintegrate these elements to present a holistic framework comparing Internet addiction with Internet habit in terms of their antecedent personality factors and their consequences. We tested the framework against data from a time-lagged survey of Internet users. As hypothesized, sensation seeking, neuroticism, and dysfunctional impulsivity influenced Internet addiction. In comparison, only neuroticism and dysfunctional impulsivity were significant in Internet habit. Furthermore, Internet addiction influences relative usage and negative outcomes, and habit further increases its influence on negative outcomes. Our findings contribute to the body of knowledge by showing the personality antecedents and behavioral consequences of Internet addiction, and by highlighting the similarity, difference, and interaction between Internet habit and Internet addiction. Collapse

Topics: internet addiction personality internet technology information system use productivity

Methods: survey chi squared test data transformation confirmatory factor analysis survey design

Theories: big five model technology acceptance model theory of reasoned action theory of planned behavior personality theory

Social Media Addiction: A Systematic Review through Cognitive-Behavior Model of Pathological Use

2021 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Ahmed, Eiman; Vaghefi, Isaac

Abstract: The proliferation of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Insta ... Expand

Abstract: The proliferation of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have revolutionized the way people communicate, consume, and share information. As a result, social media addiction, a type of behavioral addiction related to the compulsive use of social media and associated with adverse outcomes, has been discussed by scholars and practitioners alike. Despite the abundance of research published on social media addiction, this literature is fragmented, and there is no synthesis of the drivers and outcomes of this behavior. In this study, we use the cognitive-behavioral model of pathological use and conduct a systematic review of social media addiction literature from 20082019. Based on the review of 132 papers, we propose a framework that integrates prior findings. Our review reveals several avenues for future research on this increasingly prominent research topic. Collapse

Topics: social media social media addiction internet technology information technology addiction personality

Methods: literature sample structured literature research design artifact literature study

Understanding massively multiplayer online role-playing game addiction: A hedonic management perspective

2021 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 0

Authors: Lee, Zach W. Y.; Cheung, Christy M. K.; Chan, Tommy K. H.

Abstract: Massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) addiction presents a ser ... Expand

Abstract: Massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) addiction presents a serious issue worldwide and has attracted increasing attention from academic and other public communities. This article addresses this critical issue and fills research gaps by proposing and testing a research model of MMORPG addiction. Building on the conceptual foundation of the hedonic management model of addiction and the technology affordance perspective, we develop a research model explaining how MMORPG affordances (ie, achievement, social and immersion affordances) are associated with the duality of hedonic effects (ie, perceived positive mood enhancement and perceived negative mood reduction) and the extent of MMORPG addiction. Using structural equation modelling, we empirically test our research model with 406 MMORPG players. The results show that both perceived positive mood enhancement and perceived negative mood reduction positively correlate with the extent of MMORPG addiction. Furthermore, achievement and immersion affordances are positively associated with the duality of hedonic effects, whereas social affordance is not. Our study contributes to the growing body of technology addiction literature by revealing the relationships between the two hedonic effects and the extent of MMORPG addiction, and by offering a contextualised explanation of the role of MMORPG affordances in these relationships. We offer an alternative perspective on the far-reaching, unintended relationships between technological affordances and addictive technology use. Our study provides game developers and policymakers with insights into preventing MMORPG addiction to create an entertaining, healthy virtual playground. Collapse

Topics: affordance user experience information technology addiction usability online game

Methods: survey literature study psychometrics partial least squares regression survey design

Theories: theory of affordance

Exploring the effects of psychological ownership, gaming motivations, and primary/secondary control on online game addiction

2021 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Wang, Xunyi; Abdelhamid, Mohamed; Sanders, G. Lawrence

Abstract: Online gaming has grown to be a very popular electronic entertainment for people ... Expand

Abstract: Online gaming has grown to be a very popular electronic entertainment for people throughout the world. However, the burgeoning popularity of online games in some cases leads to addiction, a phenomenon that has received considerable attention. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of psychological ownership, gaming motivation, and primary–secondary control on online game addiction (OGA). Based on 436 valid re­ sponses collected from online questionnaires, the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach was employed to test the research model. Findings show that the motivations of achievement and escapism are positively associated with psychological ownership toward a virtual gaming environment. Of particular interest is the inverted-U relationship between psychological ownership and OGA, suggesting that too little or too much psychological ownership is associated with less OGA. Finally, individuals with high levels of primary (secondary) control are more (less) inclined to be addicted to online games. Collapse

Topics: psychological ownership online game video game video game addiction virtual world

Methods: survey literature study theory development PLS tool theoretical contribution

Theories: control theory flow theory

The Mechanisms of Mobile Gaming Addiction

2020 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Park, Ha Eun; Tan, Barney

Abstract: Mobile gaming addiction is the persistent and maladaptive pattern of mobile game ... Expand

Abstract: Mobile gaming addiction is the persistent and maladaptive pattern of mobile game playing behavior, which may result in uncontrolled spending, deteriorating physical health, and the breakdown of interpersonal relationships. Much of the existing research surrounding mobile gaming addiction is centered on the personality traits that render an individual more susceptible to becoming addicted, and the motivations for playing mobile games. However, there remains a lack of knowledge on the precise mechanisms through which the characteristics, features and content of mobile games induce addiction. Our study, which is aimed at addressing this knowledge gap, reveals that the characteristics, features and content of a mobile game induce addiction through a unique blend of three underlying mechanisms – the Socialization, Gambling, and Gaming Mechanisms. Moreover, these mechanisms, each composed of certain characteristics, features and content of a mobile game, may influence the psychological states of gamers and contribute to mobile gaming addiction. Collapse

Topics: mobile game mobile system video game video game addiction iOS

Methods: qualitative coding qualitative interview theoretical contribution literature study netnography

Constant Checking Is Not Addiction: A Grounded Theory of It-Mediated State-Tracking

2020 | Management Information Systems Quarterly | Citations: 0

Authors: Gerlach, Jin P.; Cenfetelli, Ronald T.

Abstract: “Constant checking” of digital devices has been a widely observed phenomenon: pe ... Expand

Abstract: “Constant checking” of digital devices has been a widely observed phenomenon: people check email clients, social networking systems, news websites, and other information technologies (ITs) at the expense of distracted driving, neglected children, and lost productivity. The predominant perspective on such phenomena of excessive IT use is that users are addicted to technology. But actually, we know very little about what exactly constant checking is, what causes it, and under what conditions negative outcomes might ensue. Based on qualitative data collected from 90 individuals, we develop a grounded theory that views constant-checking behaviors as information-seeking habits instead of an addiction in need of medical treatment. We find that these habits satisfy deep-rooted and recurring needs for information, are facilitated by today’s high accessibility of information, and are fueled by an interesting reward pattern. To represent constant-checking behaviors in light of our findings, we posit a new construct: IT-mediated state-tracking, defined as an individual’s habitual use of IT to seek information that closes the gap between their knowledge about a realworld domain’s state and its actual state. We also learn that the intended and unintended consequences of ITmediated state-tracking are contingent upon situational factors, which suggests that a more balanced perspective on these behaviors is warranted. Our research steers the discussion about excessive IT use in a new direction by offering a new construct and a grounded theory that helps us to better understand the phenomenon of constant checking. Collapse

Topics: information system use unintended consequence electronic mail information technology addiction social network

Methods: theory development grounded theory qualitative interview personal interview survey

Theories: representation theory

Examining the Role of Individuals’ Need for Online Social Interactions and Interpersonal Incompetence in Game Addiction

2018 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Bhagat, Sarbottam; Kim, Dan J

Abstract: Because online game addiction has become one of the serious social computing iss ... Expand

Abstract: Because online game addiction has become one of the serious social computing issues related to public health, there is an unprecedented need to explore and understand online game addiction from a psychosocial perspective. Extant studies have empirically tested the effects of and the relationship among prominent psychological distresses such as depression, loneliness and aggression on game addiction, but few studies have explored the relationships among individuals’ need for online social interaction, interpersonal incompetence and self-regulation (control) and their effects on game addiction. Additionally, the mediating role of individuals’ need for online social interaction in online game addiction has neither been proposed nor empirically tested. This study examines addiction through the lens of individuals’ need for online social interaction, interpersonal incompetence, self-regulation and loneliness as a psychological distress. More specifically, the purpose of this study is to understand the mediation effect of individuals’ need for online social interaction on game addiction. Collapse

Topics: online game video game video game addiction

Methods: theory development

Theories: self determination theory

The Influence of IT Artifacts on Players Leading to Internet Gaming Addiction among University Students in Africa

2018 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 1

Authors: Nyamadi, Makafui; Boateng, Richard

Abstract: In recent times, there has been an emergence of behavioral addiction involving t ... Expand

Abstract: In recent times, there has been an emergence of behavioral addiction involving technologies. Since IT Artifacts in games designs are to influence the gamers to continue to play, this research is focused on the effect of IT Artifacts at the highest level of influence which is centered on human activities and behaviors. This study seeks to use Flow Theory to uncover varied internet gaming addictive behaviors among university students in Africa; using Ghana as a case study. Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) are the games with the highest addictive tendencies (Jing and Hock 2012). This paper identifies various features of the game design (related to IT Artifacts) such as graphics, realistic sounds or audios, franchise or patent explicit contents and in-game advertising features and inherent elements of players that are likely to result in problematic playing which could cause flow and eventually lead to addiction. Collapse

Topics: internet addiction internet technology online game video game productivity

Methods: design artifact qualitative interview case study survey personal interview

Theories: flow theory