Emerging adults (EAs), defined as adults aged 18 to 25, remain a difficult group to engage in healthy behaviours (including positive dieting and eating patterns). The environmental elements that influence the health behaviours of EAs have been studied. However, the literature is mixed on how online game environments, including eSports and game streaming, can be used to positively engage EAs. In this scoping review, we identified and analysed research on online games, EAs, and dietary patterns to create a behavioural ecological map of influences that intersect with EAs through online games. In total, 75 studies were found, identifying 23 influences that intersect with EAs through their online game use. ESports organisations, eSports athletes, and content creators may be areas of future research (and intervention) as these factors could positively influence the dietary behaviours of EAs (through online games).

Online video games are a common pastime for emerging adults (EAs). EAs are an age group that is of interest in health communication because habits formed during this life stage can cause or prevent disease later in life. Guided by three research questions, this scoping review identifies the current state of research into socio-ecological influences on physical activity and diet behaviours of EAs. The review also examines the role that online video games play within this behavioural ecology. In total, 112 articles were found that focused on behavioural ecological influences for physical activity and diet behaviour among EAs. Seven of these articles focused on the impact of online video games, although only in conjunction with their influence on physical activity, identifying a gap in understanding the influence of online games on diet. Results show that online video games are currently under-researched in terms of impacts on physical activity and diet despite the prevalence of the use of these games within the EA cohort.

Online game microcelebrities (streamers) attract a large audience of emerging adult gamers (age 18–25 years) and have become a target for food industry advertising. Extant research has identified links between gaming and negative impacts on diet. However, little is known about the influence of game-streaming communities on food consumption. This study aims to understand the type and context of discussions about food and drink in streaming communities that may be influencing the consumption behavior of emerging adults. Data were collected through observation of food and drink-related conversations within streaming communities for Fortnite, which is popular with emerging adult gamers. The study found that the sharing of food is commonplace in organic discussions within streaming communities, driven by both streamers and their followers. The sharing of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods is commonplace in these organic discussions. The study suggests that game-streaming channels have expanded beyond the scope of only a gaming channel and, for emerging adults, are potentially influencing their healthful behavior.

Engaging in sedentary activities and consuming energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods increases the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (1). | POSTER