Online Gaming Harassment: 2/3 of Female Players Still Face Abuse and Discrimination

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Imagine being a gaming enthusiast, eager to shred some pixels and connect with fellow players online. Yet, two-thirds of the female gaming community still bravely endure harassment while just trying to have fun.

A Sky News report dives into the ongoing issue, highlighting the rampant misogyny and hatred faced by women in gaming spaces, often on Discord and in multiplayer games. Journalist Mickey Carroll’s personal experience aptly illustrates the problem when she was bombarded with slurs and abuse shortly after displaying her profile photo, clearly identifying her as a woman.

Carroll asked her abuser why he was being so hate-filled, and his sickening response included dehumanizing slurs, comparisons to sexual offenders, and even a threat to hunt down her family. As disturbing as this is, it’s not an anomaly. In fact, online toxicity typically starts with sexually charged comments and escalates into menacing threats, putting victims in fear for their safety.

The research is alarming: 72 percent of female gamers reported suffering online abuse in 2022, but this only dropped to 65 percent in 2023. Mathilde, a 19-year-old French esports player, aptly summarizes the anxiety women face: “Being a woman in gaming is scary. You need confidence in yourself… if someone jumps on me, I will jump back.”

Still, a significant 20 percent of women gamers will avoid playing online altogether for fear of harassment, with one in 10 having suffered rape threats. Organizations like NNESAGA, dedicated to diversity and inclusion in gaming, are working diligently to create a safer gaming environment.

Discord does acknowledge its responsibility, declaring that it takes immediate action when abuse is reported. Yet, the fight isn’t over. For female gamers and marginalized communities worldwide, there’s still immense work to be done in dismantling the toxic climate that persists in gaming ecosystems.

Remember, if you’re experiencing similar abuse online, know that help and support are available. Head to the Cybersmile Foundation, which offers critical resources, including a 24/7 support helpline, to help sufferers cope with online harassment and abuse.