WOMEN HOLD UP (MORE THAN) HALF OF THE SKY: EXAMINING THE MOTIVATIONS, THE BEHAVIORS, AND THE SOCIAL CAPITAL IN A MULTIPLAYER GAME POPULAR AMONG FEMALE PLAYERS

Abstract

This study combined survey and behavioral data to examine the connections between socio-relational motivations, socializing behaviors, and social capital. Participants were U.S. players (N = 1,027; 65% female) from a fantasy mobile game popular among female players. Consistent with gender role theory, female players partook in higher socializing behaviors. Moreover, in support of uses and gratifications theory and the social capital framework, the smarty-pants and socializing motivations, and socializing behaviors were positively associated with social capital. Partly in support of gender role theory and the social capital framework, both bridging and bonding social capital were higher for female players. This study's results offer nuance to how certain game affordances and incentives may be predictive of social capital outcomes.