The Virtual Vulnerabilities Project is an ongoing research project which seeks to explore and identify the potential vulnerabilities associated with excessive online engagement in MMORPG environments. To that end, the principal researcher undertook extensive survey based research with 678 online subscribers. The results revealed a distinct lack of awareness amongst 22% of the sample representative of online gamers.
The second phase of the research made use of follow up case studies on participants who were classified as behaviourally addicted. The quantitative and qualitative data was subsequently published into two conference papers and one journal paper.
The next phase of the research involves the localisation of the survey research. The researchers have compiled five separate identical surveys in the native languages of German, French, Greek, Thai and Chinese. Participants will be collaboratively recruited through overseas Universities. Demographic responses will be compared with previous research.
We have witnessed the rapid development and global embrace of Massively Multi-Player Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs). MMORPGs provide subscribers with a graphically rich, fully immersive 3D fantasy world in which likeminded individuals can interact and collaborate to accomplish complex and challenging tasks. For some however, these infinite engrossing worlds have become a new alternative lifestyle which takes precedence over reality.
Online privacy and social engineering are subjects of extensive research and it is commonly acknowledged that the internet is embraced by individuals with darker motives. Indeed, prior studies highlight the significant threats faced by end-users of social networking facilities and the corresponding need for security awareness. Awareness raising campaigns provide children with valuable information on how to protect themselves online. However, studies reveal that a lack of awareness amongst young online gamers could lead to negative consequences. |
