Online addiction: privacy risks in online gaming environments

In this paper we investigated the levels of addiction and personal data disclosure within Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game environments (MMORPG's). The study made use of an online survey which embraced a combination of a six point behavioural addiction framework, Self Determination Theory and Impression Management theory to assess addictive behaviour and consequential data disclosure amongst a sample representative of 188 Singaporean based MMORPG gamers. Results found that pathological gaming addiction had a direct effect on levels of personal and sensitive data disclosure and participants who were disclosing high amounts of data were considered more vulnerable to exploitation and predation.

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