Online social games: The effect of social comparison elements on continuance behaviour

Influence of competitive attitude and self-efficacy on task motivation in vocational high school students: the moderating role of competitive environment in the context of 'Lying Flat' culture

Introduction

In recent years, "lying flat" has emerged as a significant term in contemporary discourse, referring to the phenomenon where modern young people choose passive resistance due to a lack of motivation when facing various situations. These trends have the potential to diminish the future learning enthusiasm and holistic development of vocational high school students, thus impacting their competitiveness in the future job market.

Methods

This study employs a motivational model for vocational high school students based on self-efficacy theory and person-environment fit theory to explore whether the competitive atmosphere moderates the impact of self-efficacy and competitive attitudes on task motivation. Using a secondary data research approach, the study analyzed a sample of 944 Taiwanese vocational high school students from the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) dataset with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).

Results

The results indicate that self-efficacy and competitive attitudes positively influence task motivation. Additionally, self-efficacy not only enhances competitive attitudes but also indirectly influences task motivation through the mediation of competitive attitudes. The study also revealed that the moderating effect of the competitive environment was not statistically significant in the overall sample. Further multiple-group comparisons between male and female vocational high school students showed no significant differences in most paths, but gender differences emerged in the positive moderating effect of the competitive environment on the influence of competitive attitudes on task motivation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that in cultivating task motivation among vocational high school students, interventions should be tailored to accommodate the differing responses of male and female students. For female students, providing more opportunities for teamwork and utilizing collaborative approaches to cope with the competitive environment may enhance task motivation. Conversely, for male students, enhancing self-efficacy and stimulating intrinsic competitive attitudes may be more effective. Addressing these differences could potentially reduce the occurrence of the "lying flat" phenomenon among vocational high school students in the future.

Comparisons are Odious? The neural basis of in-group and out-group social comparison among game players: An fMRI study

Social comparison is an important way for individuals to define their social characteristics. Online games with a large amount of social information provide a convenient platform for social comparison between players. However, few studies have examined the neural basis of different social comparisons in game players. This study aims to explore the activation of brain regions triggered by social comparison in different contexts and the possible moderating effect of group identity. A total of 26 subjects participated in our experiment. We referred to the minimum group paradigm to evoke group identity and used the dot estimation paradigm to generate in-group or out-group social comparisons. The activation of brain regions was measured and analyzed. Compared to upward comparison, the fusiform gyrus, putamen, lentiform nucleus, precuneus, and precentral gyrus were significantly activated in downward comparison when the group identity of the comparison object was the same as that of the player. When the two had different identities, downward comparison significantly activated the angular gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus. However, the moderating effect of group identity was not significant. Further functional connectivity analysis based on the brain region activation results was performed. Our study has shown that social comparison in group contexts leads to the activation of different brain regions and provides neurophysiological evidence of social interaction among game players.

Factors Influencing Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) Game Engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Hedonic Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM) Approach

The prominent form of Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is found in the gaming industry. NFT games received immense attention during the COVID-19 pandemic because of their play-to-earn model. NFT gamers can enjoy and increase their finances in their spare time. Hence, the researchers utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the intention and immersive behaviors of 1082 respondents. The modified framework from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Hedonic Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM) underwent SEM tests. These theories and methods were used to analyze relationships among hypotheses and assess factors influencing NFT game engagement. The results showed that hedonic motivation produced positive and significant influences on perceived usefulness, curiosity, joy, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Subjective norms significantly influenced perceived ease of use. In due course, perceived ease of use yielded positive and significant effects on perceived usefulness, joy, attitude, and perceived behavioral control. Moreover, perceived usefulness, curiosity, joy, attitude, and perceived behavioral control had significant positive effects on behavioral intention. In addition, perceived usefulness, curiosity, joy, and attitude significantly and positively affected immersion. Meanwhile, only four hypotheses were not supported by the study. These findings were translated into theoretical and managerial implications to contribute to the academe given the strong the change of behavior of users towards NFT games during the pandemic; gaming industry since they will be able to develop, improve and create a new ecosystem in the gaming space, and NFT stakeholders since they will benefit from the development that will influence this study.

Evaluating the environmental impact and economic practicability of solar home lighting systems: a roadmap towards clean energy for ecological sustainability

The vitality contribution is a vital cause for defensible monetary improvement and collective success by eradicating poverty. Adopting the solar home lighting system (SHLS) is advantageous not only in social lifestyles but also improves the health of family members and increases home-based small businesses activities due to the inexpensive and continuous supply of energy. The main aims of the study are to scrutinize the most substantial barriers to adopting SHLS in Pakistan. A comprehensive, structured questionnaire appraisal was conducted for sample size with the help of non-probability sampling (purposive sampling), and primary data was collected. The designated hypotheses were evaluated using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). In the present study, we validate the model using a sample of 271 adopters of SHLS contributed as respondents. The results disclose that entire autonomous variables expressively and positively correlated with adopting SHLS dipping energy disasters and improving home-based small business activities. Correspondingly, social media-based awareness of SHLS significantly moderates and positively affects the selected factors in this study. Empirical results indicate that prudently eradicating maintenance barriers with experienced professionals, subsidy in prices from the government, quality base satisfaction of owners, and social media-based awareness are the primary tools to adopt SHLS. Additionally, the outcomes offer valuable suggestions to the competent authorities that introduce encouragement and maintenance policy for adopting SHLS.

Relating biogas technology and environmental impact assessment: a roadmap towards clean energy for environmental sustainability

Atmosphere contamination and fast weather change have compelled scientists and entrepreneurs to seek eco-friendly solutions for saving the earth. Increasing energy consumption depletes limited natural resources and harms the climate and ecology. In this regard, biogas technology contributes in two ways: satisfying energy needs and saving plants. Pakistan is a farming nation with enormous biogas-based energy generating potential. The primary objectives of this study are to identify the most significant barriers to farmers' investment in biogas technology. Non-probability sampling (purposive sampling) was utilized to establish the sample size. Ninety-seven investors and farmers were systematically sampled in biogas technology engaged in this survey. The planned questionnaire was practiced to obtain key facts via online interviews. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to evaluate designated hypotheses. The current research concludes that entire autonomous variables are substantial and interrelated with investment in biogas machinery, dropping energy disasters, and accomplishing environmental, financial, and maintenance government support objectives. The results also revealed that electronic and social media play a moderating influence. This conceptual model is considerably and positively affected by the chosen factors and their moderation. This study concludes that the primary tools for attracting farmers and investors in biogas technology are proper biogas technology awareness with relevant experts, financial and maintenance government responsibility, user efficiency and environmental concern of biogas plants, and the role of electronic and social media. The results also advised that the government should implement an incentive and maintenance policy to entice new farmers and investors in Pakistan to build biogas technology. Finally, the study's limitations and recommendations for additional studies are highlighted.

A psychological model of competitive behavior: social comparison as a mediator of the critical thinking, self-efficacy, and adaptation ability prediction among college students

This study is aimed to test a theoretical model of the critical thinking, self-efficacy, and adaptation ability prediction towards competitive behavior, with social comparison as a mediator. Participants comprised 334 active university students in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. This study applied a predictive-correlational design, with data obtained using questionnaires and analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling. The analysis indicated that the theoretical model corresponds to empirical data (RMSEA = 0.00, NNFI = 1.00) showing that sample data is an accurate representation of the data that would be present in the population (RMSEA < 0.05, NNFI > 0.90). However, critical thinking ability can not predict competitive behavior as mediated by social comparison. This present study provides a deeper understanding that competition is a complex behavior that involves the dimensions of a person's cognitive, self, and adaptive qualities, that cannot be separated from the social context.

Impact of social comparison on perceived online academic futility: A perspective from parents

In response to the wide-ranging concern of online academic futility, the current study aimed to explore the independent variables and mediating variable from a novel perspective of parents during COVID-19. Based on the social comparison theory and the control-value theory of achievement emotions, social comparison and tutoring anxiety were incorporated into an integrated model as predictors and mediator, respectively. A total of 300 parents completed an online survey. The results of the structural equation modeling indicated that upward social comparison and downward social comparison were both positively related to tutoring anxiety, which in turn positively predicted perceived online academic futility. Notably, tutoring anxiety played a significant mediating role in the association between different social comparison and perceived online academic futility. These results highlight the consistent predictive effect of upward social comparison and downward social comparison on perceived online academic futility, shedding light on the roles of tutoring anxiety in explaining the relationship from parental perspectives.

Improving the Health of Emerging Adult Gamers-A Scoping Review of Influences

Emerging adults (EAs), defined as adults aged 18 to 25, remain a difficult group to engage in healthy behaviours (including positive dieting and eating patterns). The environmental elements that influence the health behaviours of EAs have been studied. However, the literature is mixed on how online game environments, including eSports and game streaming, can be used to positively engage EAs. In this scoping review, we identified and analysed research on online games, EAs, and dietary patterns to create a behavioural ecological map of influences that intersect with EAs through online games. In total, 75 studies were found, identifying 23 influences that intersect with EAs through their online game use. ESports organisations, eSports athletes, and content creators may be areas of future research (and intervention) as these factors could positively influence the dietary behaviours of EAs (through online games).

Understanding the impact of quality elements on MOOCs continuance intention

Online learning has captured much attention, while given for high dropout rate, continuance of MOOCs is now a most concerned critical topic in both research and practical field. From teaching-based quality and platform-based quality perspectives, this study aims to investigate the impact of quality elements on continuance intention based on Expectation Confirmation Model, Task Technology Fit, flow theory and trust. We conducted our research through online questionnaire from July to September in 2020 and collected 555 valid responses which were mainly from university students who had already participated in MOOCs. A Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model approach is employed to test the research model. The results show that teaching-based quality will increase both students' task technology fit and confirmation, and platform-based quality can improve the confirmation and perceived value about learning in MOOCs. Task technology fit, confirmation and perceived value will further facilitate the using experience and enhance trust and satisfaction. This research comprehensively illustrates the importance of quality relevant to teaching and platforms on continuance intention of MOOCs.

The Impact of Enterprise Management Elements on College Students' Entrepreneurial Behavior by Complex Adaptive System Theory

At present, with the continuous rise in public consumption level, the pressure on college students' entrepreneurship or employment is increasingly severe. Under the concept of positive psychological intervention, the present work aims to alleviate the entrepreneurial pressure of college students and improve college students' entrepreneurial education through the analysis of enterprise management elements. A 3-month intervention experiment, including the pre-test, preventive curriculum intervention, post-test, and delayed test, is conducted on a control group and an experimental group, to investigate entrepreneurial intention, emotional management ability, and ability to deal with entrepreneurial pressure of college students. In addition, based on a complex adaptive system (CAS), the enterprise management elements are analyzed, and a three-layer network model is constructed. Meanwhile, new diversified elements of enterprise management are defined to discuss the effectiveness and psychological impact of diversified management, proving that psychological security plays an intermediary role in the cross-layer relationship chain in the three-layer CAS network. The experimental results indicate that on the whole, the positive psychological intervention reduces the pressure of students in the experimental group, significantly ameliorates depression and anxiety, and promotes the positive personality in all directions. Besides, in the delayed test after 3 months, the experimental group can maintain a relatively better state than the control group. By exploring the role effectiveness and characteristics of diversified management, this experiment confirms that the improvement of psychological security under positive psychological intervention has a positive impact on the effectiveness of diversified management. The present work discusses the hierarchical construction in enterprise management and puts forward reasonable suggestions and theoretical development for the influence of the entrepreneurial practice of college students.

Antecedents of sustainable e-waste disposal behavior: the moderating role of gender

This study presents an integrative sustainable e-waste model, drawing on organismic integration theory and gender schema theory. E-waste behavior has attracted considerable attention in the cleaner production literature in recent years. However, there is growing debate, and little research has been conducted in developing countries, especially Pakistan, to investigate the motivational factors influencing sustainable e-waste behavior. This study empirically examines the different effects of motivational (intrinsic, identified, introjected, and external) regulations on sustainable e-waste disposal behavior and identifies whether customer gender moderates these effects. To address this gap, we recruited 209 households, and structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group modeling (MGM) techniques were used to test the proposed hypotheses using AMOS. When assessing customers' habits and external, introjected, identified, and intrinsic motivations in terms of gender differences, the SEM results revealed that female has more motivational sentiments and compliance to social norms for disposing e-waste behavior. The MGM results revealed that the effect of intrinsic motivation on sustainable e-waste disposal behavior is important for male customers, while the impact of external motivation is important for female customers. Identified motivation appears to be a significant predictor both for male and female customers. Finally, we briefly discuss the study's implications for theory and practice and highlight priorities for future research.

"Because I'm Bad at the Game!" A Microanalytic Study of Self Regulated Learning in League of Legends

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is a form of learning guided by the student's own meta-cognition, motivation, and strategic action, often in the absence of an educator. The use of SRL processes and skills has been demonstrated across numerous academic and non-academic contexts including athletics. However, manifestation of these processes within esports has not been studied. Similar to traditional athletes, esports players' performance is likely correlated with their ability to engage SRL skills as they train. Thus, the study of SRL in the context of esports would be valuable in supporting players' learning and mastery of play through specialized training and computational support. Further, an understanding of how SRL manifests in esports would highlight new opportunities to use esports in education. Existing work on SRL in games, however, predominantly focuses on educational games. In this work, we aim to take a first step in the study of SRL in esports by replicating Kitsantas and Zimmerman's (2002) volleyball study in the context of League of Legends. We compared the self-regulatory processes of expert, non-expert, and novice League of Legends players, and found that there were significant differences for processes in the forethought phase. We discuss three implications of these findings: what they mean for the development of future computational tools for esports players, implications that esports may be able to teach SRL skills that transfer to academics, and what educational technology can learn from esports to create more effective tools.

Examining the Effectiveness of Gamification in Mental Health Apps for Depression: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous research showed that computerized cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively reduce depressive symptoms. Some mental health apps incorporate gamification into their app design, yet it is unclear whether features differ in their effectiveness to reduce depressive symptoms over and above mental health apps without gamification.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether mental health apps with gamification elements differ in their effectiveness to reduce depressive symptoms when compared to those that lack these elements.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of studies that examined the effect of app-based therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness, on depressive symptoms was performed. A total of 5597 articles were identified via five databases. After screening, 38 studies (n=8110 participants) remained for data extraction. From these studies, 50 total comparisons between postintervention mental health app intervention groups and control groups were included in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A random effects model was performed to examine the effect of mental health apps on depressive symptoms compared to controls. The number of gamification elements within the apps was included as a moderator. Results indicated a small to moderate effect size across all mental health apps in which the mental health app intervention effectively reduced depressive symptoms compared to controls (Hedges g=-0.27, 95% CI -0.36 to -0.17; P<.001). The gamification moderator was not a significant predictor of depressive symptoms (β=-0.03, SE=0.03; P=.38), demonstrating no significant difference in effectiveness between mental health apps with and without gamification features. A separate meta-regression also did not show an effect of gamification elements on intervention adherence (β=-1.93, SE=2.28; P=.40).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that both mental health apps with and without gamification elements were effective in reducing depressive symptoms. There was no significant difference in the effectiveness of mental health apps with gamification elements on depressive symptoms or adherence. This research has important clinical implications for understanding how gamification elements influence the effectiveness of mental health apps on depressive symptoms.