Constance Steinkuehler|Dmitri Williams
Where Everybody Knows Your (Screen) Name: Online Games as "Third Places"
University of Wisconsin–Madison|University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
article examines form function massively multiplayer online games mmos terms social engagement combining conclusions media effects research informed communication effects literature ethnographic research informed sociocultural perspective cognition learning present shared theoretical framework understanding extent virtual worlds structurally similar third places oldenburg 1999 informal sociability b potential function terms social capital coleman 1988 putnam 2000 conclusion providing spaces social interaction relationships beyond workplace home mmos capacity function one form new third place informal sociability participation virtual third places appears particularly well suited formation bridging social capitalsocial relationships usually providing deep emotional support typically function expose individual diversity worldviews