by A Sony DualShock 4 wireless controller for the PlayStation. (Photo by Olly Curtis/Future via Getty … [+]
The PlayStation network has fallen. Known in the people as PSN, this online service uses users of Sony consoles to play online. But in the last few hours PSN has undergone a series of disruptions, causing people’s game plans to be disturbed.
This event pushed many people to social media, where they discussed and vent the situation, creating a whirlwind of messages and memes about the PlayStation network.
PSN is falling and leaving many people from online gaming is a fascinating case study of how the online world can be used as an emotional regulator, as well as an aid for connection.
Before we come to this conclusion, let’s take a quick look at what happens with Sony’s Gaming service.
What is the status of the PlayStation network? Why is PSN down?
According to Down Detector, users started reporting problems with PSN around 3 p.m. PST/18: 00 EST on Friday 7 February.
Not long after, Sony responded to users’ worries and confirmed the problems with his digital service:
At the time of writing experienced PlayStation users in the US and beyond still problems with PSN, with many who cannot play online, gain access to the store or even manage their accounts.
It is unclear what the failure causes, because Sony has not spoken any fixed details, but one thing is certain: people go to social media to share memes and post about their frustration.
How does social media react to PSN to fall?
Thousands of users are flooded to social platforms to air over the status of the PlayStation network. Interestingly, there was a common trend that users complained memes who complain about the failure of PSN that influence their plans after work:
Another thread on social media is an expression of anger about the problems with the PlayStation network:
Or, indeed, a feeling of panic and sorrow:
Other accounts are digging in history and refer to the last PSN loss of this scope, something that took place in 2011:
These irritated and worried reactions are very consistent on social media, with hundreds of messages that viewed millions of times and express these feelings.
So what drives this answer? Why do people go online to ventilate?
Why does social media respond in this way to the failure of the PlayStation network?
There are various theories that can explain the online reaction to PSN. One of the clearest is simple: people want to play online, but that is not possible. This is frustrating – especially when you pay for a service that provides what it promises.
However, the reaction can be investigated a little deeper than that.
People are naturally unfavorable to change. Psychologically we find something special losing. Indeed, a lot of research has established that the emotional impact of deprivation is more impactful than a corresponding profit.
In other words, losing something hurts more than getting anything.
This means that when a service like PSN drops – which is an integral part of the life of many gamers – this unique stressful can be. Combine this with the fact that it happened on Friday evening, something that many users have referred online to, and this can create a turbulent emotional situation in which people’s relaxation plans are interrupted.
What we see on social media can then be seen as a massive venting of frustration.
Various studies have been done into the importance of humor as a coping mechanism. As one states, “Humor can be defined as a hedonistic escapism strategy that would work better in the presence of unpredictable or uncontrollable stressors.”
By going to the internet and creating memes, gamers come together and find a way to manage their emotions in a situation that they have no influence on. Yes, many users respond strongly and publish anger and panic online, but this can be seen as a way to reduce their feelings, rather than trying to strengthen the indignation.
Think of it as a form of management, not antagonism.
In the end, PSN is an essential part of both their lives and their settlement routines for many gamers. This service that is down can be stressful and cause the congenital aversion of humanity to a loss.
Social media can be an ointment in these situations. By making a humorous post or meme, gamers who are in panic or angry can channel and possibly reduce this emotion, giving them more a sense of control over a situation that is fundamentally completely outside their sphere of influence.
Yes, PSN is down, and yes, many users are alerted – but social media help relieve part of this emotion. And we must be grateful for that.
