Where is the line between harassment and trash talk?
Last spring we had a lot of feedback after we launched the campaign “Don’t change your name, change the game” to bring attention to the harassment that girls and women are subjected to. Many were grateful for the attention brought to this issue and thanked us for the campaign. However, even more were critical, arguing that it was just something gamers had to put up with. They said that complaining about abusive harassment was just whining snowflakery and that harsh comments were part of the gaming experience.
92% want better measures
Still, we can’t ignore the statistics that show how widespread toxic behaviour is. In a study by Unity, 7 in 10 gamers say that they have experienced hate speech, sexual harassment, threats of violence or doxing; 21% of these say that they encounter it often or every time they play. And as many as 92% want better measures to limit toxic behaviour in gaming.
In other words, it’s generally agreed that harassment is a problem and that something has to be done. Despite this, the problem isn’t going away, it’s getting worse. We think that there should be a clear, defined line between harassment and trash talk. We do agree that dissing an opponent is a natural part of playing many games. However, a lot of the messages go way over the line. The questions are: Where to draw the line? And who is going to draw it?
Gaming needs heroes to lead the way
Beate Wold Hygen is a senior researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and she has a PhD in psychology. She is convinced that role models are the ones who should take responsibility.
“I have a dream that heroes in the gaming community are going to lead the way and take responsibility. Role models have to show that maliciousness and harassment are not acceptable,” she says.
Beate believes that new players often adapt to the culture they find. Young and inexperienced players look up to the experts. So it’s important that the best gamers are aware of their role, set a good example and lead the way.
A major problem
She is also clear about harassment being a problem that we shouldn’t take lightly.
“And it’s a fact that women are significantly more likely to feel upset and intimidated by abuse, and that 1 in 4 say the harassment makes them not want to play again. So it’s a real problem,” she says.
So where do we go from here? We agree with Beate and think that the gaming community must take responsibility and define the line between trash talk and harassment. But perhaps, most important of all, we have to stand up against what is unacceptable. One thing that’s certain is that when trash talk begins to exclude others then it crosses the line into harassment.
So where do we go from here? We agree with Beate and think that the gaming community must take responsibility and define the line between trash talk and harassment. But perhaps, most important of all, we have to stand up against what is unacceptable. One thing that’s certain is that when trash talk begins to exclude others then it crosses the line into harassment.
Gamers have to solve the problem
Here at Apeks, we believe that gamers are the ones to solve the problem. We who play video games have to develop a culture where everyone is welcome. Let’s create a greater awareness of the problem and do something about this once and for all.
Where do you draw the line?
We want your opinion. From 1-10 where is your limit?
