After a long and busy day, there is nothing better than enjoying a game of your favorite video game. However, the situation can become extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant. What is gamer toxicity in video games and which are the most toxic communities?
Unfortunately, there are people with little spirit of (healthy) competitiveness. This goes way beyond cheating in a game. On many occasions, even personal information is used to harass.
Gamer toxicity
Technology and video games have gone hand in hand to revolutionize the world of entertainment. The organization of tournaments, in short, has brought out the best in many people. However and sadly, video games have also brought out the worst in others .
It is sad to say … but it is the truth. In online video games, it is extremely common to come across so-called “toxic gamers”. Characters who are engaged in harassing or taunting other players .
Classification of toxic gamers
A toxic gamer can adopt different personalities, of course, depending on what he is trying to achieve. Your actions can harm a complete stranger as well as teammates.
The Troll
Troll is definitely one of the most frequent in online games. He can act alone, as well as lead a group. This type of behavior has been analyzed by psychologists. Based on studies by Marta Garrote, the troll enjoys ruining the experience of the rest of the players .
The Flamer
The typical provocateur. According to Marta Garrote, these types of players have low levels of tolerance for frustration . If they make a mistake, immediately look for items or other players as responsible.
The way these types of players react in adverse situations is of concern on many platforms. These types of people resort to sexist, racist and any other discriminatory insults . To a large extent, they are responsible for other players leaving a game, and even the video game.
The tilted
Frustration takes hold of these types of players. Like the flamer, they have a low tolerance for frustration. And while his actions are unjustifiable, his attitude has an explanation. Garrote found that these players transfer their family, work or social frustrations to video games.
As such, Marta Garrote does not consider these types of players to be completely toxic. Since it is something that is much easier to correct and temporary. However, his actions, likewise, mainly affect his teammates.
The social toxin
Gamer toxicity is as contagious as a virus. And according to Garrote, the social toxin is the perfect example of this. They are people who, in one way or another, get carried away by the toxicity of their peers . When witnessing an attack of toxicity, the social toxicant, instead of stopping this situation, goes with the flow.
Garrote explains that it is a mechanism in which negative behaviors are reinforced. In a way, these types of players don’t have much of a presence in a group or team. And it is through the contribution of attacks or harassment that he seeks the acceptance of the rest.
The most toxic communities
Gamer toxicity has a place in online video games. Many have been the platforms that have been dedicated to taking action on the matter.
However, the growth of these types of attitudes in games remains a worrying issue. Among the most toxic communities are: Fortnite, League of Legends, Counter-Strike Global Offensive and PUBG .
Based on studies conducted by the NGO Anti-Defamation League, gamer toxicity in video games has produced worrying results.
- 74% of the players have suffered attacks .
- 65% of these attacks have been verbal.
- 29% of the players have been forced to abandon a video game .
All united for a fair game!
Gamer toxicity in video games has been an issue that really worries many people. Especially parents whose children spend a lot of time in these popular video games.
However, many platforms are concentrating forces to take corrective action . For League of Legends, you can report a player . While in Fortnite, accounts can be banned .
