Online Gaming Harassment: A Study by the Anti-Defamation League
Hate and harassment are pervasive in online multiplayer games, according to a recent study conducted by the Anti-Defamation League. This comprehensive research indicates that nearly half of the game sessions analyzed experienced some form of discrimination based on religious, ethnic, and national identity.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Center for Technology and Society took a novel approach in their investigation, asking 15 gamers to play various multiplayer games using usernames that highlighted different identities. The results were stark and concerning.
High Levels of Identity-Based Harassment
One-third of gaming sessions using identity-affirming usernames faced abuse. In particular, Jewish players experienced high levels of harassment, with 38% of sessions including anti-Semitic comments.
Examples of harassment included racial slurs, malicious taunting, and impaired gameplay experiences. Participants noted that hate was not limited to their specific usernames but affected multiple identities.
Selected Games Show Significant Harassment
The study focused on four popular multiplayer games: Valorant, Counterstrike 2, Overwatch 2, and Fortnite. Notably, Valorant and Counterstrike 2 showed the most significant rates of harassment.
In these games, about two-thirds of sessions featured some form of harassment, with 57% of ‘Proud2bJewish’ usernames encountering Jewish identity-based abuse. In contrast, Overwatch 2 and Fortnite had significantly lower levels of identity-based harassment at 8% and 20%, respectively.
The Gaming Industry’s Role
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, emphasized the urgent need for action. “The unacceptable normalization of harassment in online games is problematic not only because of its prevalence and impact on young people but also due to the severity of the abuse,” Greenblatt stated.
The ADL calls on gaming companies to implement comprehensive policies and expand resources dedicated to trust and safety. This includes strengthening content-moderation tools for voice chat and promoting prosocial behavior through game design.
Government Recommendations
The ADL also advocates for government intervention to fight hate in online spaces. Recommendations include prioritizing transparency legislation, enhancing access to justice for victims of online abuse, and establishing a National Gaming Safety Task Force.
Methodology of the Study
Conducted over late 2023 through summer 2024, the study involved 15 participants—students, recent graduates, and young adults—who played the four specified games using marker usernames (e.g., Proud2bJewish, Proud2bMuslim).
Participants recorded over 250 hours of gameplay, documenting their experiences after each hour. The ADL, founded in 1913 as a beacon against hate, has been investigating online harassment and antisemitism since 2019.
Industry Impact and Challenges
While some companies like Activision and Roblox have taken steps to tackle toxicity through AI and policy changes, others lag behind. Daniel Kelley, interim head of the ADL Center for Technology and Society, noted significant differences between games like Valorant and Counterstrike 2 versus Overwatch 2 and Fortnite.
“Industry policies and design changes can greatly reduce harassment, as seen in some of the games we studied,” Kelley added. “However, broader industry standards are needed to ensure a safer online gaming environment for all.”
Public Perspective on Online Gaming
The study also sheds light on player expectations. Many participants anticipated higher levels of harassment based on their understanding of online gaming environments. This suggests that addressing hate in gaming requires persistent and sustained effort from all stakeholders.
A Call to Action
The findings of this study underscore the critical need for action to reduce hate and harassment in online gaming environments. By working together, the gaming industry, government, researchers, and caregivers can create safer spaces for players of all backgrounds.
“The gaming community has the potential to be a place for positive interaction and social development,” Kelley concluded. “It is vital that we take steps to ensure this potential is realized and not overshadowed by hate and harassment.”
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