Menu
In the vast and ever-evolving world of online gaming, toxicity, hate, and harassment are unfortunately common occurrences. These negative behaviors can have a profound impact on individuals who are passionate about gaming, often resulting in emotional distress and even mental health issues.
We must develop cultural humility to address the concerns of those struggling with gaming disorders effectively. In this blog post, we will explore the darker side of the gaming world and discuss how these experiences can be traumatic.
Video games have become a source of entertainment and joy for millions worldwide. They offer a unique opportunity to escape reality, develop cognitive skills, and improve psychological well-being. However, within the vast and ever-evolving world of online gaming, toxicity, hate, and harassment have unfortunately become all too common.
A 2020 nationally representative survey of US gamers aged 18-45 found that 81% of individuals who played online multiplayer games experienced some form of harassment. This was an increase from 74% in 2019.
Even more concerning, 68% of respondents reported experiencing severe abuse, including physical threats, stalking, and sustained harassment, up from 65% in 2019. This means that around 45 million online gamers in the US are facing significant levels of harassment.
Certain video games have emerged as hotspots for toxic behavior. DOTA 2, Valorant, Rocket League, Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive are some of the games where players reported experiencing the most harassment while playing.
Gamers become targets of harassment for various reasons. Some may face discrimination based on their gender, race, or sexual orientation. Others may be targeted due to their skill level, which can lead to cyberbullying and gatekeeping within the gaming community. It is essential to recognize the scope of this toxicity in online gaming to understand the magnitude of the problem and work towards finding practical solutions.
Toxicity in online gaming can have severe consequences, including the development of gaming disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gaming disorder is defined as a pattern of behavior where gaming takes precedence over other life interests and activities.
The disorder is characterized by three criteria: impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences.
These symptoms should be present for at least 12 months, although in some cases, the severity of the symptoms can warrant a diagnosis in a shorter timeframe.
Understanding the stages of gaming can provide valuable insights into how toxicity can lead to gaming disorders. According to INTENTA, gaming can be categorized into four stages: recreational gaming, at-risk gaming, problematic gaming, and gaming disorder.
The majority of gamers, about 90%, fall into the recreational gaming category and do not experience negative consequences. However, 10% of gamers are considered at-risk, 5% experience negative consequences from their gaming behavior, and 1-3% meet the criteria for a gaming disorder diagnosis.
Clinicians and mental health professionals must integrate gaming disorder screening tools into their practice. This can help identify individuals who may be at risk or already struggling with a gaming disorder.
By understanding the link between toxicity and gaming disorders, professionals can effectively address the underlying issues and provide the necessary support for individuals to find a healthier balance between gaming and other aspects of their lives.
Harassment and toxicity towards game developers have unfortunately become a troubling trend in the gaming industry over the last several years.
Game developers and their teams often bear the brunt of the anger and frustration of gamers when a game doesn’t meet their expectations. Whether it’s a game delay, plot decision, or other creative choices, developers can face intense harassment and toxicity from players.
But it’s not just the game developers themselves who experience this negativity. Even actors who portray characters in these games are not safe from harassment. An example is the release of The Last of Us Part 2 in 2020.
Actress Laura Bailey, who played the character Abby, revealed that she received threats not only to herself but also to her children. It is deeply troubling that individuals would go to such lengths to target someone over their portrayal of a fictional character.
The highly anticipated game God of War, Ragnarok, has also seen its fair share of harassment on social media. This behavior is unacceptable and has no place in the gaming community or any community.
As expert Riker explains, “Our entire society is set up for immediate gratification rather than delayed gratification.”
This mix of immediate gratification and entitlement can contribute to the toxicity and harassment faced by game developers and actors. Gamers need to remember that behind every game, there are hardworking individuals who put their heart and soul into creating something they hope will bring joy to others.
The gaming community must foster a culture of respect and understanding for game developers and actors. Let’s remember constructive criticism can be helpful but should never cross the line into harassment and toxicity. Together, we can create an environment where game developers feel safe and supported in their creative endeavors.
Standing up against toxicity in online gaming is essential to creating a safer and more inclusive gaming community. Here are some actionable tips to help combat toxic behavior:
