Caught in the Web? Addictive behavior in cyberspace and the role of goal-orientation

Stuart J. Barnes, Andrew D. Pressey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

New online 3-D virtual worlds are complex and differ significantly from each other. In this study we examine whether the type of virtual world is likely to make a difference on how addictive behavior develops and its subsequent outcomes. We examine the effect of goal-orientation on the degree to which cognitive absorption within the virtual world results in addiction and in the impact of addiction on continuance and purchasing intentions. Using surveys conducted in World of Warcraft (goal-oriented) and Second Life (experience-oriented) virtual worlds and analysis via ANOVA, we find that while cognitive absorption contributes to the development of addiction, which subsequently leads to increased continuance and spending intentions in goal-oriented virtual worlds, none of these relationships hold in the case of the experience-oriented world. Goal-oriented virtual worlds provide a problematic conduit for addictive behavior and marketing manipulation and the authors believe that they would benefit from further attention by policy-makers. Experience-oriented virtual worlds do not appear to provide the same dangers and would appear to be more healthy avenues for marketing-consumer engagement.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)93-109
Number of pages17
JournalTECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Volume86
Early online date22 Sept 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2014

Keywords

  • Virtual worlds
  • Addiction
  • Cognitive absorption
  • Consumer behavior
  • Goal-orientation

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