Can players’ network-level parameters predict gaming perpetration, victimization, and their overlap? Extending the Structural Hole Theory and the Shadow of the Future Effect, this study examines the potential advantages and accountability conferred by key network metrics (i.e., ego network size, brokerage, and closure) and their behavioral implications. Using longitudinal co-play network and complaint data from 55,760 players in an online multiplayer game over two months, the findings reveal that higher network size is associated with greater perpetration and reduced victimization. Network closure is linked to reduced involvement in both perpetration and victimization, while network brokerage is linked to increased involvement in both. The overlap of perpetration and victimization is predicted by higher network size and lower closure. Theoretically, this study complements existing research on gaming toxicity from a structural perspective. Practically, the findings underscore the importance of considering network elements, particularly network closure, in designing interventions to mitigate gaming toxicity.

中文翻译：

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权力越大，责任越大：在线多人游戏中的网络地位、受害、犯罪以及受害者与犯罪者的重叠


玩家的网络级参数能否预测游戏的实施、受害及其重叠？本研究扩展了结构洞理论和未来效应的阴影，探讨了关键网络指标（即自我网络规模、经纪和关闭）所赋予的潜在优势和责任及其行为影响。使用纵向共同游戏网络和两个月内 55,760 名在线多人游戏玩家的投诉数据，研究结果表明，网络规模越大，犯罪率越高，受害率越低。网络关闭与犯罪和受害行为的减少有关，而网络经纪则与这两种行为的增加有关。更大的网络规模和更低的封闭性可以预测犯罪和受害的重叠。理论上，这项研究从结构角度补充了现有的游戏毒性研究。实际上，研究结果强调了在设计减轻游戏毒性的干预措施时考虑网络元素（特别是网络关闭）的重要性。