Why Kids are Now Spending More Money in Online Games: The Pressure to Purchase In-Game Skins
A NEW study has released data suggesting that more children are now being pressured into making in-game purchases. As more and more children are choosing to spend their time playing free-to-play games, there is more pressure from peers to do well and look good in these games.
The Impact of In-Game Skins on Social Currency in Online Games
According to a study by Oslo Metropolitan University, there is a lot of pressure on children to spend money in games like Fortnite and Roblox to purchase the latest skins. Clara Julia Reich of the University says: “We find that skins, which refer to how you appear in the game, have a crucial social function.” The study found that children use games as a social meeting place, and just like in real life, others will comment on how they appear and dress.
The Blurred Lines Between Online and Offline Worlds for Children
A second researcher, Kamilla Knutsen Steinnes says: “There’s no sharp distinction between their online and offline world. These are just different parts of the social world they navigate, and appearance, or skins, are important identity markers.” However, this comes with elevated risks outside of the real world, as parents tend to know and understand less about what children do online. Children can fall prey to online scams more easily, without parents even realizing that personal property has been stolen.
The Influence of ‘Dark Patterns’ in Encouraging In-Game Purchases
Aside from the outside pressure from peers, children also have to contend with ‘dark patterns’, tactics used in certain games that encourage users to make more purchases. Steinnes claims: “Manipulative design is interfaces that force, pressure, or trick consumers into making choices that are in the company’s best interest, by exploiting the users’ weaknesses.” Children are particularly vulnerable to these types of tactics, and parents need to find ways to monitor their children’s online activity and spending.
The Need for Parental Monitoring of Children’s Online Spending Habits
It was reported that the children included in the study spent over $100 a year on in-game items. With this amount of spending taking place online, it’s important that parents monitor this closely. If you want to read more about free-to-play games, check out the latest Fortnite event.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.