Feeling Good and In Control: In-game Tools to Support Targets of Toxicity

What is it about?

Toxic behaviours, hate, and harassment are widespread in online games. Most current tools for combating such behaviour focus on punishing toxic players (e.g., muting, blocking, reporting), which are often misused and inadequate, as they still leave targets harmed. We developed in-game support tools for players who are targeted by toxic behaviours. These tools can be designed in different ways (e.g., viewing pictures of baby animals) and then would be available to players when they want support after exposure to toxic behaviours. In an evaluation, we showed that these tools could help decrease stress, improve mood, and provide feelings of control.

Featured Image

Photo by Florian Olivo on Unsplash

Photo by Florian Olivo on Unsplash

Why is it important?

We want to combat toxic behaviours that are widespread in online games and harmful to players. Games that integrate such tools have the potential to decrease the negative effects on players who are exposed to such behaviours.

Perspectives