Abstract

The rise of online gaming communities has profoundly impacted social identity formation blurring the boundaries between virtual and real-world interactions. This research explores how individuals engage with gaming communities construct digital identities and navigate the complex relationships between online and offline social experiences. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach drawing from psychology sociology and digital media studies to examine the mechanisms through which gaming environments foster social connections influence self-perception and shape behavioral patterns. The findings indicate that online gaming communities provide a sense of belonging social support and self-expression particularly for individuals who may face social barriers in offline settings. However the study also highlights potential challenges such as identity fragmentation escapism and the reinforcement of toxic behaviors within competitive gaming cultures. Furthermore the research explores how on