I have recently started playing online multiplayer games and I find the whole situation very addictive at times. Could anyone explain the Psychological reasons for this?
2007-02-09 10:46:56 · 7 answers · asked by zzr250man 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
halloweens town just like to add i work a very phsical job doing 40+ hrs a week i dont need any more exercise
2007-02-09 10:57:20 · update #1
There's lots of different ways you can psychologically explain being addictive to something. Different branches of psychology would explain it different.
I usually favour the behavioural approach, which would explain it mostly by classical and operant conditioning. It's super simple in that it basically is that you are getting some sort of reinforcements that encourage you to continue. It could be winning, or even just the idea of winning, or it could be that you get pleasure from the social aspect. Classical conditioning is stimulus-response, and to relate it to you, the reward is the stimuli and you continuing to play is the response. You start to relate the reward (say winning) to the games and so continue to play so you continue to get that reward (or at least have the hope of getting that reward). Operant conditioning is just as simple and pretty similar in that it's just stating that you get positive reinforcement which makes you continue. That reinforcement like i said could be winning. You don't necessarily have to win though, you could see others winning and that re-enforce you. Or it could be just the thrill you get from the gameplaying, or the social aspect.
Of course biological, cognitive and other branches would explain it in different ways. This is the one i favour and it's also probably one of the simplest. I'd say it's likely a combination of this and other psychological reasons and branches though. But this gives you a bit of a basis. It's alot of common sense, I wouldn't be suprised if really you knew this already!
2007-02-09 11:09:23 · answer #1 · answered by Shanti76 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a way of socializing. You're never playing the same game twice because different people offer different experiences. Also it's a nice escape from reality and relaxes you...even if the game is pretty intense.
2007-02-09 18:58:40 · answer #2 · answered by 1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my husband recently purchased xbox live and he is on it all the time, he talks to people all around the world and can join groups to play against other teams, keeps him occupied and a way to relieve stress from work. but it can be addictive, i didn't relaise until i picked up the controls one day and started playing, its fun.
2007-02-09 18:52:27 · answer #3 · answered by IzzieB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because its fun to play with other people that enjoy the same game as u but not have to share the tv as in split screen. so u play with a lot of people have ur big ol monitor or tv to urself and play the same game!
2007-02-09 18:50:34 · answer #4 · answered by bigizz75 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
` I think therefore I am`
Stop believing in Addictions, it is designed that way so the owners can make money.
Get some exersize !
2007-02-09 18:53:03 · answer #5 · answered by halesowentown 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the same reason this web site is
2007-02-10 19:17:41 · answer #6 · answered by PSG1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because then you can absolutely batter people and never let them live it down!
2007-02-09 19:30:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋