Exposing the Shocking Extent of Harassment and Extremism in Gaming
New study shows that the gaming industry is plagued with harassment and extremism Majority of gamers have encountered these issues while playing games, revealing the extent of the problem Lack of serious scientific studies has hindered efforts to address this growing concern
The issue of extremism and harassment within the gaming industry has been a long-standing problem. While there have been concerns about radical ideologies being spread to vulnerable players through video games, there has been a lack of comprehensive scientific studies to truly understand the extent of the issue.
It's important to note that this problem is not limited to any specific gaming platform. While it may have originated in the PC gaming community, the widespread adoption of online communication tools over the past two decades means that no platform is immune to the problem of harassment and extremism. The true scope of the issue is alarming and demands attention.
As per the latest study conducted by NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights, the gaming industry has been negligent in dealing with extremist behavior. Although instances of harassment have been reported in the past, the study reveals a shocking statistic that 51% of gamers have been exposed to toxic and extremist ideologies while playing. The situation is further exacerbated as 36% of the respondents of the study reported targeted harassment within the last year, painting a bleak picture of the current state of affairs.
Governing bodies are finally recognizing the problem of extremism in the gaming industry, as a recent study points out. While it may be unlikely that the industry will face a reckoning with this issue anytime soon, this recognition could be a huge step in the right direction. Late in 2022, members of US Congress questioned game developers on this matter, indicating a growing interest in properly managing the toxicity that can spread through gaming communities.
Some gaming companies are taking matters into their own hands as well. Ubisoft and Riot are partnering on anti-harassment tools to help curb extremism and toxicity. It's probable that other developers and publishers are exploring similar initiatives, where applicable. The issue of more than half of all gamers experiencing harassment on a regular basis is complex and challenging, but making a serious effort to address it would be a positive move for gaming communities all over the world.
Many gamers are taking a stand against toxicity in the gaming community, in addition to efforts from governing bodies and gaming companies. In a recent instance, Overwatch 2 players voiced their concerns about excessive harassment from toxic individuals and requested more chat filters to combat it. This feature should be easy to implement and can help create a safer and more positive gaming environment.
