Level Up: Tackling Toxicity in Online Gaming Communities

By:  Samantha Kabiling | Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

Gaming has advanced far beyond the limits of personal computers to allow gamers to play together on a global scale. This increased connectivity can foster friendships that span hundreds and even thousands of miles. Unfortunately, as with most online platforms, the risk of encountering toxicity lurks behind the potential of building new connections. 

Game Start: Identifying Online Toxicity

Around the globe, gaming communities share a passion for video games, whether it’s an MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena), RPG (role-playing game), or something in between. Even watching others play can be entertaining, as evidenced by the rise of video game live-streaming platforms like Twitch. While the majority of players engage in healthy competition and social interaction, online gaming is unfortunately not immune to cyberbullying and other forms of digital harassment. 

Popular games like League of Legends, Overwatch, and Call of Duty are notorious for the rampant toxicity among their players. Bullies have intentionally harassed, intimidated, threatened, and even doxxed other gamers. Beyond poor sportsmanship, there are multiple factors that contribute to this toxic environment. Let’s examine two of the most common ones.

• Anonymity: The ability to hide behind a screen name encourages bullies to continue their attacks without fear of repercussions. This is known as the online disinhibition effect. Although bullies may not face consequences for their actions, the impact on victims is undeniable. Verbal abuse and other forms of harassment can increase risks of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, especially in younger players. 
• Prejudice: Players are targeted and discriminated against for their age, gender, race and ethnicity, or perceived physical appearance. Bullies will also use harmful slurs in in-game chats and make disparaging comments against entire demographics.

Power-Ups: Preventing Online Toxicity

Companies like Twitch, Discord, and Sony (PlayStation) each have their own rules for safeguarding players and handling online abuse. These safety tips and guidelines—including instructions for reporting a cyberbullying incident—can typically be found on the game company’s website or within the game platform itself. 

PlayStation's Safety page, for example, contains advice and crisis resources for players under 18 and their caregivers. Adults can set parental controls on children’s accounts to block unsuitable content, and younger players can customize their own privacy settings to limit who can interact with them. PlayStation also encourages players to report any inappropriate behavior or content to their team of moderators.

Tips For Gamers

If you see or experience cyberbullying and inappropriate content…

1. Speak up
2. Report the bully to the game company network 
3. Block the bully
4. Tell a parent or trusted adult

Digital4Good has created a free resource to support kids and teens in dealing with cyberbullying situations. You can view and download the one-pager here.

Tips For Parents 

If you’re the parent of a gamer, follow these pointers to help ensure your child has a fun, safe, and healthy experience with gaming:

• Play the game with your child to observe how it works—and to connect with them over their favorite hobby
• Check who your child plays with
• Set privacy and security settings for games
• Express interest in and have conversations about your child’s favorite games

For more detailed guidance, check out the end of this article for a link to Digital4Good’s comprehensive digital safety course for parents.

Closing the Game

Cyberbullying doesn’t just harm the victims; it poisons the community as a whole. If you encounter online toxicity while gaming, know that you aren’t alone. Remember, there are steps you can take to stop it, but don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone you trust. The more we stand up to those who spread negativity, the more we can enjoy the digital world and the connections we form within it.

Parents, looking for more resources to ensure your child’s safety online? Check out our Parent Guidelines for Youth Digital Safety course!