Like in the real world, the online world also has winners and losers in games. However, the online world creates incentive and reward structures that foster and promote strong competition amongst its players. Unlike 3rd grade soccer, not everyone gets a participation trophy, online gaming is a zero sum game. This fierce competition creates an environment that encourages bullying and harassment.
Example while playing Grand Thteft Auto, the resources are limited. Players have only a few weapons and ammo using which they have to defeat the other team. This leads to an emotional or aroused state, which could lead to aggressive behavior.
Also just like in the real world, the online world has the same fears, flaws, prejudices, biases and stereotypes. Also, just like other media and entertainment sources, like television, there are rampant misrepresentations of Blacks, Latinos and other races, and the objectification of women in online video games. Throughout the gaming world, there are usually groups of gamers who tend to discriminate against other types of groups.
The lack of representation in online video games reinforces stereotypes and prejudices with the gamers. Specifically, since dominance of white supremacy, racial inequality and gender disparity is perpetuated in online video games, the stereotypes and prejudices held by gamers (& video game developers) in the real world are further accentuated in the online world. Similarly, minimal, inaccurate or lack of representation of aged or able bodied characters in online video games continues to perpetuate the real world stereotypes and prejudices.
In my next few blogs I try to answer these questions:
- What role might representation (or lack thereof) have in creating unwelcoming or even hostile environments for women/girls, minoritized, and marginalized people?
- How is representation in the games themselves a factor in perpetuating stereotypes and prejudice?
- What are some of the interpersonal dynamics that reinforce these negative intergroup attitudes?
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