Farming Not Alone: Farmville Play and the Implications on Social Capital

Shaojung Sharon Wang^*

Institute of Marketing Communication, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan.

DOI: 10.4236/sn.2014.35028                

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between Farmville play and social capital. The implications of social game play for players’ psychological wellness were also assessed. Using survey data collected from Farmville players in Taiwan, it was found that the intensity of Farmville play was positively associated with players’ perceived bridging and bonding social capital. The extent to which intensive Farmville play may lead to the psychological benefits of enhanced life satisfaction and reduced loneliness was discussed. In addition, players who tended to add unacquaintances were more likely to perform better than those who added people they knew. However, connecting with existing contacts through the game provides higher sense of bonding social capital. Implications on the concept of weak and strong ties were also discussed.

Keywords

Farmville, Facebook, Social Capital, Life Satisfaction, Loneliness

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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