Online gaming as a socialization tool

Internet gaming can encourage encounters, dialogue, collaboration and a certain socialization. In role-playing games, it's sometimes useful to join forces with other players to achieve an objective. Game-related forums can also be used to exchange experiences, find solutions to certain situations, strategies and so on. The tool thus encourages a certain type of socialization.

However, we note that some people, who may find it more difficult to enter into relationships with others in real life, also tend to withdraw into solitary use of online games. The use of the computer for gaming or any other addiction purpose leads to a certain desocialization, a frequent corollary of addiction.

It should also be noted that socialization restricted to a group of people who share a single interest can resemble a form of isolation for many, in the same way that some couples who are too withdrawn into themselves are said to be lonely for two.