Implications and Risks of MMORPG Addiction: Motivations, Emotional Investment, Problematic Usage and Personal Privacy

The omnipresence of technology combined with the widespread embrace of online communication has undoubtedly created a subculture of ‘always on’. Indeed, experts have revealed that online interaction and information invokes a ‘dopamine squirt’ similar in effect to that of narcotics abuse. Prior research has established that online interaction through computers and mobile devices gives the feeling of self importance and provides an illusionary short term fix for seemingly isolated individuals. This paper investigates the levels of addiction to Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games and the potential information and social based ramifications associated with such environments. The study made use of an online survey and follow-up case study evidence to assess current levels of addiction and associated security awareness amongst 362 online gamers.