Dissemination

CIAC researchers publish new article on online hate speech in gaming communities

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CIAC researchers Susana Costa, Ana Filipa Martins, Bruno Mendes da Silva and Alexandre Martins have published a new article: “Exploring Online Hate Speech in Gaming Communities: Insights from Focus Groups with Young Players”, in the journal “Estudos em Comunicação”, Vol. 2, No. 39 (2024).

The article is part of an ongoing study into hate speech in online video game communities. Through the perspectives of young gamers and using focus groups as a qualitative methodology, it was possible to gain insight into their experiences of offensive messages, toxic online environments and standards of behaviour in games. Analysing the testimonies of 19 students revealed information such as their conception of hate speech, the ways in which they are affected by this type of speech and what possible responses they imagine to this phenomenon. The results revealed a certain acceptance of toxic environments in the context of online gaming, often due to desensitisation. The narratives of these young gamers pointed to characteristics such as power, pleasure, conformity and increased status as motivations for disruptive behaviour online. This study aims to contribute to a broader understanding of perceptions, behaviours and motivations in online gaming communities, emphasising the need for a collaborative approach involving players, developers and gaming platforms to promote a more respectful and inclusive environment.

More information and access to the article (here).

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