Role of Language in Metastasizing Virtual Gaming in Social Spaces – Identity, Addiction, and Communication

Abstract

This research article deals with the competitions and contestations in the cybernetic world that are expanding its virtual territoriality and spaces in unique ways. This paper contributes to the knowledge by analyzing the role of “spaces” performing four distinct social functions: 1) the creation of exclusive virtual space, akin to Gramsci’s spaces; 2) metastasizing gamers from the real to the virtual world; 3) the creation of virtual identities, power structures, and ideologies; and 4) social addiction leading to an adrenaline rush among gamers. Foregoing in view, this research aims to signpost the linguistic dimensions of spatiotemporal peculiarities of virtual gaming spaces, examining the implications of gamers’ language for spatial identity, communication, and addiction. This research concludes that there is a significant role of the spatiotemporal interplay of language in these virtual gaming spaces, creating hierarchies, and identities influenced by diverse communication patterns.