• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.37
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• pp.342-376
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• 2007

This study attempted to explore relationship between self-identities in real space and in virtual space and to inspect empirically both self-identities' influence on addiction and society maladaptation of online role playing game users. The verified results through this study are summarized as follows. First, both self-identity in real space and self-identity in virtual space represent strong interrelationship. In detail, the user with strong self-identity in real space shows strong self-identity in virtual space. Second, self-identities in two spaces have the negative interrelationship with game addiction and maladaptation. Whether real space or virtual space, the higher self-identity, the lower the levels of game addiction and maladaptation. Especially, self-identity in real space appeared an influential variable determining the level of addiction and maladaptation. Although self-identity in virtual space have not an independent influence, it has the possibility to effect complementary with self-identity in real space. This fact means that virtual space is not the place where the user with weak self-identity in real space can discovers the ideal self. Because they also experience the negative recognition about oneself in virtual space.