Understanding of Social Camouflage through Monikers in Video Games and Gaming Communities

Investigating Online Moniker Choices Among Gamers

Recruiting
18 years - 100 years
All
Phase N/A
1 Location

Brief description of study.

Although many people are not able to entirely choose the names they use in day-to-day life, they are able to choose the names they go by online. In the context of gaming, this might mean your in -game username or gamertag as well as names you use on gaming forums, when streaming, and when watching. We are interested in hearing about the reasons and experiences behind the gaming monikers you use, especially in how these names help you to achieve specific social ends, not unlike camouflage.

Detailed description of study

In this study, we are interested in investigating how gamers and casters choose online monikers, and how these names are used to help achieve specific social ends, including those of (intentional) camouflage. More specifically, we are interested in name choice and identity management, given a player?s or caster?s higher level social goals.
Participants will not be paid for their participation.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: healthy
  • Age: 18 years - 100 years
  • Gender: All

Inclusion Criteria
In order to participate in the study, potential participants must be either gamers, or users of peripheral games services. These peripheral games services include but are not limited to:
Video game forums (e.g.: Reddit, games publishers communities such as Bungie.net, games news communities such as Kotaku);
Gaming communications services (e.g.: Discord); and
Streaming services (e.g.: Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and NVIDIA GameStream).
Exclusion Criteria
Must not require parental/guardian consent to participate in the study
Participants must also be able to meet for an in-person interview, though exceptions may be made for individuals of special interest who cannot make it in person, in which case a Skype interview may be considered

Updated on 19 Feb 2024. Study ID: 1810803665

This study investigates how gamers and casters select their online names, also known as monikers, and how these names are used to achieve specific social goals. The focus is on understanding the strategies behind name choice and identity management, similar to how camouflage is used to blend into surroundings. This study aims to explore the reasons behind these choices and the experiences associated with them.

Participants in the study will be asked to share their experiences and reasons for choosing their gaming monikers. This includes discussing how these names help them achieve social interactions or goals. The study will involve interviews where participants can talk about their name choices and the social dynamics involved.

  • Who can participate: Adults who are gamers or users of gaming-related services like forums, communication platforms, or streaming services can participate. Participants must not require parental/guardian consent and must be able to attend an in-person interview or possibly a Skype interview if necessary.
  • Study details: Participants will engage in interviews to discuss their gaming monikers and the social objectives they aim to achieve with these names. Exceptions for Skype interviews may be made for individuals of special interest. No payment will be provided for participation.

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