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Toxicity is a widely discussed and prevalent issue that has recently become associated with the gaming culture. It's something that anyone who plays video games online may come across. This frequently harms the gaming experience and leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of those who simply want to enjoy their game.
The Gaming Community Is Bad?
Toxicity can include any type of inappropriate behavior, such as harassment, bullying, racial slurs, or abuse. It is anything but simple and can be difficult to understand at times, and it must be treated as such. One common misconception is that it is the gaming community that is toxic; however, it is some individuals who, under the guise of online anonymity, like to berate others just to feel good about themselves.
The reason for this is the level of anonymity people enjoy in this online era, whether it's social media or gaming. A lack of accountability is what leads people to believe they can get away with anything without serious consequences. This mindset contributes to an unhealthy environment of toxic behavior in which people fail to consider how their words affect others, frequently leaving the target uncomfortable and nervous.
People frequently try to justify toxic behavior as part of the competitive nature of online games. A toxic player almost certainly believes they are the only ones who know how to play the game, which justifies their rude apathetic comments towards teammates. As players, we must learn to distinguish between constructive criticism and harassment. With no repercussions, gamers constantly say and do things that they may not normally do in real life.
Gender-based harassment, like other social issues, is a common toxic trait, with women gamers being the most harassed while gaming online. Women in gaming are a common target for toxic behavior such as sexist comments, objectification, and gender biassed trash talk, to name a few examples. A girl playing games, in popular opinion, is either a noob or should stay in the kitchen where she belongs. This type of toxic stereotyping frequently has long-term consequences for the players who are targeted, such as anxiety and depression, to name a few.
Although there is still a long way to go, the gaming industry is recognizing the error of its ways and is working to reduce in-game toxicity. Many game developers are introducing methods to assist players in dealing with toxicity, such as in-game reporting of toxic players or the auto-mute feature in CSGO. Recently, even the community has been vocal in exposing toxicity for what it is.
The Right Approach!
As an individual, if you realize that you are being toxic to some extent, consider working on yourself, supporting the game and scene that we have all grown to love, and most importantly, helping others.
Gaming has always been a way to relieve stress and have fun while playing your favorite game, building a gaming community that is fun and accepting, but some people think it's cool to act rudely and without empathy. Gaming should be a place where everyone is accepted as a gamer and nothing else. Individuals must stand up for themselves as well as others, and strive to be the best version of themselves. Let us work together to keep this space that we all love and care about a healthy one.
Finally, be humble and respectful in your approach; don't be discouraging to others; it's the worst thing a gamer can do. Don't be a bully.