An Exploration of Friendships and Socialization for Adolescents with Autism Engaged in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG)

A phenomenological study was conducted to investigate the social experiences and perceptions of friendship among three adolescents with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) engaged in online videogame play in the context of a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Semi-structured interviews with three participants, diagnosed with ASD between the ages of 16-21 years, yielded four themes that illustrated the social experiences of participants in this study. Emerging themes and participant comments identified in this study parallel those identified in the most recent research literature that has also sought to identify experiences and attributes that may lead to successful interpersonal relationships for individuals identified with ASD. Participants in this study articulated the desire to socialize, interact, and frequently communicate in a virtual environment; challenges with being misunderstood; issues with identification and perceptions of friends; and awareness of rules specific to face-to-face and virtual environments.