Two?recent articles in Slate and The New York Times have?focused on the?growing problem?of sexual?harrassment and cyberbullying in online gaming. Though many still think of?playing video games?as a male-dominated activity,?recent studies have shown as many as?forty-seven percent of the players are, in fact,?female. Since players can?communicate?with?each other through headsets while they play, ?trash-talking? your opponent has become a big part of gaming. While there is a way to do that and keep it fun, it can also go too far and get out of hand quickly.
Elisa Mel?ndez documented the harassment she received after she was placed into the XBox Gamer Spotlight, which profiles the best gamers every week. What should have been a nice moment of recognition turned ugly. While?many?people?contacted her?to congratulate her, there was also a fairly large contingent that sent her slurs, insulting come-ons and much?worse.
These increased incidents of harassment haven?t?gone unnoticed by the gaming industry. According to?The New York Times?article, ?one game designer?s online call for civility prompted a meeting with Microsoft executives about how to better police Xbox Live.? Also, better rules are being implemented so that players who receive multiple complaints and?are deemed offensive can be ?muted? by other players, so they are not heard.
While the technology of these games continues to advance and make the games more realistic, it?s critical?for game manufacturers to realize their role and responsibility in working to eliminate the?cyberbullying element. As game designer James Portnow stated: ?We are a real mass medium, and we have a real effect on the culture. We have to take a step beyond this idea that nothing we could possibly do could be negative, or hurt people.?
?For more information on cyberbullying prevention, visit us here.
?
Source: http://josephsoninstitute.org/sports/pvwh-sportsmanship/2012/08/lack-of-respect-in-online-gaming/
plane crash plane crash kardashian christmas card lori berenson lori berenson the incredibles jon bon jovi dead
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.