What to Do If You Are Experiencing In-Game Bullying

Fri, Jan 28, 2022 6:02 AM Regulations Safety

Multiplayer games are more than simply fun; they're also communication channels where you might meet dedicated allies — as well as trolls and bullies. In-game bullying may happen to anyone, which is why both gamers and their parents are concerned about it.

It can happen to anyone at any time. For example, whether they're still getting used to the game or because folks on the other side of the chat like picking on others, a new player may be bombarded with insults and threats. Bullying has a wide range of outcomes, from a ruined evening to depression. Here's what you can do if your teammates or opponents start behaving badly.

 

Don't be afraid to express your dissatisfaction

 

You don't have to start from scratch; you can simply report the offender. Almost all online games provide options for reporting people who act in an unacceptable manner toward others. Steam moderators, for example, encourage users to report community members who violate the rules. They also issue escalating suspensions for insults and aggressive behavior.

Nobody will stop trolls from playing, but Steam will be able to block gamers from writing on forums and in the Community Center in the spirit of Black Mirror.

Your complaints will ruin a bully's karma, even if they aren't immediately banned on Steam or in a specific game. The bully will then be given additional attention if someone else complains about them. Xbox, for example, features a gaming reputation system. If someone receives a lot of complaints, they won't necessarily be banned, but their gaming circles will be limited - they'll have to play with other trolls.

Related: What Not to Do And Internet Safety Tips To Protect You Online

 

Keep your cool

 

Try to remember that anything a bully writes to you is only words on a screen, as trite as it may sound. Remember that anyone who joins in a fight, regardless of who initiates it, can be banned for profanity.

If you're threatened with being reported for causing a lost match, don't freak out. No one will ban you as long as you haven't broken any game rules. There are victors and losers in games with winners and losers. Inhale, exhale, and keep in mind that the rules are the same for everyone.

Don't withdraw into yourself if a troll's words hit you hard and your negative feelings resurface long after the game has ended. Talk to someone you can trust about the problem, such as friends or relatives. This will allow you to get it off your chest, see the problem from a different angle, and feel supported. Emotional support is particularly vital for someone who is distressed.

 

 

Block or filter out aggressive gamers' chat messages

 

Most gaming platforms have anti-abuse capabilities in addition to reporting. To avoid the worst of it, you can set up an automatic conversation filter. Mute the hostile teammate if you're being harassed on a voice channel. Add the offender to your blocklist if you're harassed both in and out of the game. This will prevent them from contacting you.

 

Stop matches with bullies

 

Team games don't encourage you to flee during a game, but if your teammates are insulting or threatening you and you're having trouble, defend yourself. Of course, you can kiss your rating and loot goodbye if you leave, but your mental health and happiness are more valuable.

 

Personal information should be kept private

 

If the only thing the criminals know about you is your screen name, they won't be able to hurt you in real life. Toxic players, on the other hand, don't always start off that way. Someone on the other side of the screen may appear friendly, asking for your real name, a photo, or links to your social media accounts, but that information may also be used to track you down and harass you on other platforms or even offline.

Before you consider disclosing personal information to anyone, make sure you can trust them. In the first few minutes of a match, if a stranger requests for your address or images, contact the moderators; they'll handle it.

You don't have to give your teammates your phone number, e-mail address, or social network profiles. During the game, you can communicate with other players using internal chat.

Don't provide too much information on your in-game profile. Keep in mind that bullies can use it to learn more about you. Keep your genuine name, gender, residence country, and age a secret.

 

Related : What and Why We Need VPN Services

 

Any personal information you put online, in fact, can be used against you. To investigate the fundamental privacy settings of popular services, we recommend utilizing our privacy-checking tool.

Finally, if you're worried about being tracked down by your IP address and harassed outside of the game, use a secure connection. Trolls will have no idea where you live if you use a VPN to disguise your real IP.

 

 

What to do if you’re being bullied

 

If you're being bullied in-game, don't debate with the bullies or lower yourself to their level. Instead:

• Create a chat message filter, mutes toxic teammates, blocks bothersome trolls from messaging you, and concentrate on the game;

• Make a complaint and provide proof to back it up;

• Use a VPN and never provide personal information with other gamers, even if they appear pleasant, but especially if they are acting aggressively.

• If your patience is wearing thin, end the game.

 

 

 

 

 

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