Importance of Social Videogaming for Connection with Others During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examined how social video gaming helped people stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants reported that gaming with friends and co-workers became significantly more important during the stay-at-home period, providing a sense of connection when in-person interactions were restricted. Interestingly, gaming's role in maintaining connections with family did not change significantly, likely due to more direct family contact. The findings highlight the potential of online social gaming to foster social bonds, mitigate isolation, and support emotional well-being during times of limited face-to-face interaction.

Use online social gaming as a tool for maintaining connections with friends and co-workers, particularly during periods of social isolation. To enhance its benefits, choose games that encourage communication and teamwork. While gaming supports social bonds, balancing it with offline interactions ensures broader emotional and social benefits. These insights are based on observational data from a pandemic-specific context.