Dark Desires? Using the Theory of Basic Desires to Better Understand Toxic Behavior in Multiplayer Online Games

Bastian Kordyaka, Samuli Laato, Aida Stelter, Bjoern Niehaves

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

Within the context of multiplayer online battle arena video games (MOBAs) toxic behavior (TB) remains a complex and yet unsolved sociotechnological challenge. While significant work has been done recently, there is a lack of theory-guided approaches for curbing TB. In this work, we test the motivational theory of basic desires for explaining the occurrence of TB. For this, we used a survey approach and collected a sample consisting of players of the successful MOBAs League of Legends and Dota 2 (n = 308). Using a PCA, results indicate two underlying factors of the 16 basic desires (i.e., physiological and social factors). Consequently, both factors hold the potential to explain TB. In addition, the predisposition age showed a significant influence on TB in our sample. These findings highlight the 16 basic desires as a promising frame for understanding the antecedents of TB.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 56th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2023
EditorsTung X. Bui
Pages5551-5559
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9780998133164
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Publication typeA4 Article in conference proceedings
EventHawaii International Conference on System Sciences - Maui, Hawaii, United States
Duration: 3 Jan 20236 Jan 2023

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
Volume2023-January
ISSN (Print)1530-1605

Conference

ConferenceHawaii International Conference on System Sciences
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMaui, Hawaii
Period3/01/236/01/23

Keywords

  • individual motivation
  • multiplayer online battle arena video games
  • theory of basic desires
  • toxic behavior

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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