It is obvious that social media is rising at a tremendous rate and as this is happening, Generation Z gamers are embracing it and actually perfecting the way that social media connects people who have the same interests such as online gaming. 

Online gaming communities are using social media to connect around the concept of video games. It is safe to say that just like London Chelsea escort reviews portraying relationship building, online gamers are doing the same; not only playing with strangers anymore but forging enduring and authentic friendships being fostered in real time. 

Explosion of Gaming

There are a few critics that view online gaming as one that isolates people, but with social distancing and social media, that is no longer true. In this age of social distancing and with mental health tension on people, online gamers are using the tool that they have had for such a long time to find relief to others who have probably never used a controller. 

Gaming has exploded since social distancing became the norm. This is now an outlet for those who need to be connected in isolation. Online gaming is now reaching individuals who have infrequently played, never indulged in video games, or may have snubbed it altogether. 

According to a survey done recently by a business research firm, NPD, in the United States alone, there are about four out of every five consumers who played online video games within the past six months. In addition, there are many industries that have reported booming sales on the gaming platform. 

Social Capital

Before social distancing went into effect, most people relied on face-to-face relationships and connections to validate themselves and to make friends. However, with social distancing, online gaming is now providing social capital to many people who feel isolated. 

Online friendships are now the norm for many people who feel locked out of social resources, if not through technology. Video games and other online games have provided hope for many who feel strongly about the idea of socialization. This is not something new to video game enthusiasts because they have been building relationships and staying connected to online community members for years. 

No More Stereotypes

A survey published in 2003 indicates that approximately 3,000 players said that they connect with other players through various online gaming platforms. This study contradicts early studies done that stereotyped online gamers as being isolated, antisocial, and not in tune with society. In fact, it is the opposite. About 10% of online gamers form various types of relationships online; even romantic connections. In 2020, the lockdowns caused people to actually search for ways they can connect online and some have chosen to do so on a gaming portal where it tends to be a fun environment that takes them out of their isolated reality at home. Now, people are realizing that there are different outlets to help them to socialize and connect. 

The Twitch Platform

Not only has social distancing caused a reduction in face-to-face communication, but it has also caused more individuals to learn about online gaming and view it as a way to socially interact with others with similar goals of staying socially engaged. Twitch, owned by Amazon, is where individuals have the ability to watch other individuals play live video games while chatting with other viewers and the streamer in real time. 

In the first six months of the year 2020, Twitch tallied 5 billion hours of viewing content. That should reveal how much people are yearning for social engagement. For this reason, Twitch has seen more popularity; expansion of its platform has now gone beyond the gaming enthusiasts and this has everything to do with the social distancing limitations of 2020. 

In fact, Twitch now has authors launching their books on this platform. Musicians are also holding their concerts on Twitch using the same game streaming model.  In addition, new gaming communities have been created on the Twitch platform and this includes specific gamers such as LGBTQ individuals and military personnel as well. 

New and Existing Player Connection

Online gaming has helped new and existing players to stay connected and socially engaged during the social distancing period, which is still ongoing. For a long period of time, there are people who have snubbed their noses at gaming; seeing it as being a waste of time and viewing gamers as being weird. 

Now, even companies are jumping on board; creating gaming portals where people can connect and socially engage as they try to get through the isolation period without feeling alone. Gaming is now easily accessible to more individuals. Even though individuals staring for long hours at a screen might appear to be unhealthy, the World Health Organization is of the belief that this could be important to forming and nurturing relationships with others. 

During social distancing, relationships are still important, if people want to remain connected. Gaming has proven to be a direct social and psychological benefit across different generations. 

As social distancing continues and millions of people globally face social isolation, it is safe to say that online gaming is a lifeline solution to staying connected. Even after the social distancing period, many of these new gamers might still continue the trend of socializing with others over the Internet. 

With its millions of global users, online gaming has indicated that it is the solution for virtual connection where so many people continue to accrue social capital. Many people who have connected online gaming platforms will remain friends after the pandemic; whether online or offline. 

Conclusion

Online gaming does encourage avid interaction and connection between players. Some people are relying on this trend to stay socially engaged. Therefore, while they are racking up social capital, they are also forming lasting relationships that will prove to be tremendously useful in years to come. 

Many individuals have realized the true benefit of online gaming during this pandemic because of its ability to bring communities closer together and using it to stay connected in isolation. 

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