Unleashing the Power of Perma: Why Twitch's Decision to Ease Permabans Will Revolutionize the Platform
Repealing permanent bans on Twitch may encourage creators to push boundaries, potentially compromising the platform's integrity and undermining the consequences for inappropriate behavior
Highlights
There is ongoing deliberation from Twitch's CEO regarding the potential for extending a second opportunity to streamers who have been previously banned. This has raised apprehensions regarding the reemergence of negative conduct and a potential decrease in the platform's inclusive atmosphere.
Permanent bans on Twitch are typically justified, as they commonly stem from toxic behavior, harassment, or violations of the site's terms of service. Reversing these bans may convey the notion that such actions are acceptable. Reinstating banned creators might isolate vulnerable communities and give them the impression that Twitch endorses hate and prejudice. Furthermore, it may imply that these actions can be pardoned if a creator holds financial value to the platform. Prioritizing the empowerment of ethical creators and communities should be the main focus instead.
Twitch, the leading platform for video game live-streaming, has set numerous precedents that other streaming platforms have followed. Streamers have achieved success on YouTube and Kick, but Twitch remains synonymous with game streaming and a thriving IRL category. While it has fostered positive communities and wholesome content, Twitch also has a darker side. Some streamers have courted controversy, resulting in suspensions and bans. However, the CEO of Twitch recently discussed the possibility of giving banned streamers a second chance.
Twitch was launched in June 2011 as a gaming-focused offshoot of Justin.tv and quickly gained traction, surpassing its predecessor and forcing other content platforms to compete in the gaming space. In 2014, Amazon acquired Twitch in a nearly billion-dollar deal. Throughout its growth, the site has maintained its status as the go-to destination for casual gaming and esports streaming. To uphold its welcoming environment, Twitch has continually tightened its moderation standards.
Twitch Bans Are Most Often Deserved
The ban of a Twitch streamer is a significant blow to their community, although most permabans are warranted. Notable bans in recent years include Destiny, Adin Ross, and MethodJosh. Destiny was banned for making offensive comments about transgender women, Ross for failing to moderate his chat, which contained racism and antisemitism, and MethodJosh for facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
These streamers had large audiences on Twitch, but their presence created an unwelcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, racial minorities, certain religious groups, and women. Therefore, many argue that these bans were necessary and safeguarded the Twitch community as a whole. In a recent interview, the CEO of Twitch discussed the possibility of reconsidering permabans on a case-by-case basis.
Unbanning Streamers Sends A Bad Message
Due to the contentious nature of certain aspects of the site's regulations, particularly regarding attire guidelines and instances of unjustified Twitch bans, caution should be exercised when considering the repeal of permabans. It is worth noting that numerous streamers have faced bans that were deemed unfair, such as the case of Quqco, who was temporarily suspended due to the platform's perception of inappropriate exposure during a cosplay stream. While most permanent bans are imposed for displaying toxic behavior or violating the clear terms of service, relaxed restrictions on previously banned streamers could potentially reintroduce toxic behavior from both the streamer and their audience back onto the Twitch platform.
2022 witnessed numerous prominent Twitch bans primarily driven by explicit racism, homophobia, harassment, and other forms of repugnant behavior. By allowing the return of individuals such as JiDion or Greekgodx to the platform, it inadvertently communicates the notion that their misconduct is permissible, inadvertently inviting an audience that may embrace and endorse such conduct.
Repealing permanent bans on streamers could not only increase toxicity on the site, but also convey the message that hatred towards vulnerable communities is acceptable, especially if the banned creator has not shown accountability or improved their behavior. It is crucial to prioritize inclusivity and make all users feel welcome, rather than prioritizing the return of a banned creator. Twitch's CEO has expressed a desire for banned creators to have a path to redemption, but temporary bans and suspensions already serve this purpose. If permanent bans are no longer permanent, it could alienate communities that currently feel safe on the site. Furthermore, allowing big creators to return implies that these actions are forgivable as long as they bring in enough money for the platform, which would demonstrate greed. Instead, it would be more beneficial to invest time and resources in supporting wholesome Twitch creators and communities.
