Online Gaming and the Emergence of a New Type of Leader
Keywords:
online games, virtual leader, leadership, virtual communities, MMOG, anonymity, social relationships, technology, digital leadership, group dynamicsAbstract
The paper examines the phenomenon of online gaming and the emergence of a new type of leader - the virtual leader - in the context of technological evolution and social changes brought about by the Internet. Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) are explored as platforms that facilitate the development of complex virtual communities and the rise of leaders who influence the dynamics of these groups. The distinctive characteristics of virtual leaders are highlighted, as well as the differences from traditional (real life) leaders and the specific challenges of the online environment, such as anonymity and multiple identities. The paper explores how virtual leaders contribute to the creation of new social relationships, influencing both online communities and those in the real world. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the relevance of this type of leadership for understanding contemporary social and organizational processes is emphasized.
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