Influencia de los deportes electrónicos sobre el apoyo social autopercibido

Abstract

This study investigates the potential influence of League of Legends (video game as an electronic sport) on self-perceived social support. The sample consisted of 1,446 people aged 13-51 years, 1309 men and 137 women. For the purpose of the research, the MOS questionnaire of perceived social support (Revilla, Luna, Bailón, and Medina, 2005) and an ad hoc questionnaire with questions related to the video game were used. Participants were assessed online through the Google Forms service. Overall, the results showed that electronic sports do not promote isolation, contrary to the results reported in part of the literature reviewed, and that, based on one of the variables related to gaming considered most relevant, such as is company, it was seen that League of Legends may be a healthy environment for creating new social relationships, as well as for development of pre-existing social relations. It is concluded that continued research of the variables that surround these electronic sports and that mediate the effects such sports have on players is of vital importance. This will allow for focusing our efforts as society on promoting the beneficial practice of esports instead of maintaining the stigma they have historically suffered.