Abstract
In this experimental study, the effect of playing an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game) on the size of interpersonal networks of players was examined. With a total of 69 students (average age: 19.95), the size of their interpersonal network was measured and compared after 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks of play. The study did not show any significant differences between the experimental and control groups. Then, the effect of group behavior in the MMORPG on the size of an interpersonal network was examined with the experimental group using the structural equation model. The result indicated that group behavior in the MMORPG hardly had any effect on the size of an interpersonal network. However, the result indicated a causal relationship of the reversed direction in which group behavior in the MMORPG increased as the size of an interpersonal network became larger.
