Dark side of online social games (OSG) using Facebook platform: effect of age, gender, and identity as moderators

Online social games (OSG) possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from other kind of online games. Its overuse has brought addiction to it. In this perspective, the purpose of this study is to identify the factors impacting addiction of OSG and to investigate the role of age, gender and identity (students and non-students) to moderate addiction of OSG.

This study has developed a research model by the help of literature review and different relevant theories. This model has been validated by survey method using feedbacks of 305 social game players. Structural equation modeling technique has been used to validate the model.

The study has been able to find key factors of social influence and individual influence (characteristics) that impact the intention of the online social games players to play social games that ultimately may cause addiction to online social games. Further, the study highlights that gender and identity (students and non-students) have no effects on the addictive behavior of the social game players, whereas age has a moderating impact.

The results of this study have derived a set of rich guidelines to the policymakers and the management of social media platforms (like Facebook) toward framing policy and regulations on online social games.

The study has been able to uniquely highlight the dark side of online social games and its consequences. The study also provides a guideline to the policymakers, practitioners and online social game players on how to restrict its over usage that may prompt online social game addiction.