TY - JOUR
T1 - Sharing tips with strangers
T2 - Exploiting gift culture in computer gaming
AU - Sun, Chuen-Tsai
AU - Lin, Holin
AU - Ho, Chheng Ng
PY - 2006/10
Y1 - 2006/10
N2 - The aim of this study was to look at motivations behind altruistic behavior in virtual communities by studying the sharing of game tips by experienced garners. We examine several possible motivations (pure altruism, generalized reciprocity, and reputation) and qualitatively analyze tip types in terms of usefulness, visibility, and skill level. We found that in games that do not support a "performance stage" for skill demonstration, players often share game tips as a strategy to attract attention. To a certain degree, reciprocity can be used to explain small favor exchanges, but earning social reputation is often a much stronger motivating factor.
AB - The aim of this study was to look at motivations behind altruistic behavior in virtual communities by studying the sharing of game tips by experienced garners. We examine several possible motivations (pure altruism, generalized reciprocity, and reputation) and qualitatively analyze tip types in terms of usefulness, visibility, and skill level. We found that in games that do not support a "performance stage" for skill demonstration, players often share game tips as a strategy to attract attention. To a certain degree, reciprocity can be used to explain small favor exchanges, but earning social reputation is often a much stronger motivating factor.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33947623068&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1089/cpb.2006.9.560
DO - 10.1089/cpb.2006.9.560
M3 - Review article
C2 - 17034323
AN - SCOPUS:33947623068
SN - 1094-9313
VL - 9
SP - 560
EP - 570
JO - Cyberpsychology and Behavior
JF - Cyberpsychology and Behavior
IS - 5
ER -