It's Not Just a Game: Virtual Edgework and Subjective Well-Being in E-Sports. Issue 2 (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raggiotto, Francesco; Scarpi, Daniele
• Other Names: Benvenuti Martina guest-editor.; Scarpi Daniele guest-editor.; Zarantonello Lia guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of interactive marketing. Volume 58:Issue 2/3(2023)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: well-being -- edgework theory -- e-sports -- privacy; Direct marketing -- Periodicals; Internet marketing -- Periodicals; 658.87
• DOI: 10.1177/10949968221127897
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1094-9968

Abstract

The authors investigate subjective well-being in the context of e-sports (competitive video games). They adopt the theoretical lenses of virtual edgework theory, a recent adaptation of edgework theory from physical to digital contexts. Sports have long been used as a tool to improve subjective well-being. The research question is whether e-sports lead to well-being, as their physical sport counterparts do, and through what psychological mechanisms. The authors answer through a conceptual model of moderated mediation tested on hundreds of e-sports players. They also address the role of privacy concerns, as e-sports pose several potential threats to players' privacy that could hinder players' achievement of well-being. Findings suggest that virtual edgework provides a useful theoretical perspective for understanding consumers' behavior in digital environments. They also show that e-sports can lead to well-being by achieving feelings of self-enhancement under the positive moderation of perceived control over the digital environment and the negative moderation of privacy concerns.