Can You Hear Me Through the Glass? Understanding Communication and Relationships in World of Warcraft

As the world becomes more connected with the internet, so evolves our methods of communication. One specific medium where methods of communication are combined is online role playing games. In my research project I examined the different modes of communication (text, voice, proxemics) in the mass multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft, I examined if and how these different modes of communication affect the creation and deepening of relationships online. The need for social interaction in these online games and improved communication has greatly increased the social networking characteristics of these games. I worked to understand how the use of voice and an avatar along with text each affect how the relationships are formed. In interviewing some frequent World of Warcraft players I was able to draw some interesting implications from my research along with more questions for the future