Growing up, you would have probably been told to get off the computer and go outside to enjoy the fresh air. There are now studies to suggest that playing on the computer and interacting online is actually a more social pursuit than going outside.
There are many ways for players to interact with one another when they play online. These games were once seen as solo ways to spend time but now games have integrated chat and communication features. Games like Counter Strike Global Offensive challenge players to talk to one another to complete a common goal, thus building that communication skill.
Chat rooms with games have also evolved, most gaming fans will remember the days of playing games through MSN Messenger. On an online bingo site, such as luckycowbingo, the games are complemented by a chat box, in which players can talk to one another. The bingo world has really taken to this and they even have their own vocabulary of terms that has sprung up around this concept.
While you may be accustomed to hearing ‘LOL’ or ‘BRB’ in the real world, but in the bingo world you’ll see terms like ‘WDW’ (well done winners). These pertain specifically to playing bingo and they are a testament to just how much these players enjoy chatting and socialising. Some even play on specific sites just to talk to their online friends.
For many, being social online can actually give them interaction that they may not otherwise have. Housebound or disabled players feel the benefits of this in particular, as they can feel isolated. Bingo and other online games offer the perfect solution that allows them to talk with others that share the same interests.
When compared to outdoor activities, playing online games can actually be more social. Take a hobby like going to the cinema as an example, it would be rare for people to talk to one another while doing this. With online bingo in particular, you don’t need to be quiet for the benefit of others or in case you miss hearing a number. The games are also generally automatically played, so you don’t need to worry about getting distracted and not marking something off.
Many games also extol the virtues of playing together with a team, as they reward players with items and props. Games in which you can trade items also require a degree of communication and haggling. Many firm friendships and even relationships have been created as a result of games like World of Warcraft, which take place in a fictitious world.
There’s no real way to quantify the level of communication that one would get from being outside or online, as it’s highly dependent on the person in question. It could be argued that the relationships built online are deeper and more significant that waving at someone in the street but again it’s all anecdotal. One thing is for certain, online interaction shouldn’t be dismissed or regarded as any less than real life interaction.