Public opinions about an older adult playing a persuasive game: Based on social media messages

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICT), such as mobile games, can potentially decrease social isolation by facilitating online and offline connections. Pokémon Go uses persuasive game elements to encourage players to walk outside and meet with fellow players during live events. In this study, we take the preliminary step of examining public opinions surrounding mobile gaming by older people. We analyzed online social media comments from a news story about Mrs. Chen, a 79-year-old woman with terminal cancer who played Pokémon Go in Taiwan. Three major themes were extracted: logistics of Pokémon Go, opinions of emotion or attitudes toward the news story, and opinions relating to older people playing games. The public was positive toward older people playing mobile games, while age-related stigmatization was found. The study's generalizability was limited by presenting a single case from Taiwan. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings.