What's an aberration is this concept that people you meet with over an electronic connection aren't real, don't matter, and are never owed anything.

What you said is all true, but what I'm saying is precisely the opposite of this. I don't like playing certain games with others because I empathise with others and want them to have a good time.

So I usually avoid games (video and otherwise) that are designed so that my continued enthusiastic participation are required for the enjoyment of others. To me, that doesn't feel like play; it feels like work.

I'll do it, but it's exhausting. Maybe it's an introvert thing, because I'll come away from those games feeling completely drained.

Note I'm not saying those games are bad, just that i hate them. At least, if my social battery is already used up for the week (which it usually is just from regular life).