Curing Toxicity – A Multi-method Approach

Enabled by technological advancements, a contemporary form of technology use that particularly became popular are online multiplayer video games, which are played with others in real time. Besides various positive impacts on the user experience (e.g., fun, additional social exchange) adverse consequences have occurred as well (e.g., stress, anger). Most recently, a sincere problem gaining increased attention is toxic behavior (i.e., a behavior spreading negative effects and bad mood during play). With our study, we propose a way to handle toxic behavior on a level of video game design by using a multi-method approach. First, we will consult the online disinhibition effect and its antecedents to identify design related relationships. Afterwards, we will conduct a qualitative workshop engaging video game designers and players to reshape in-game experiences by incentivizing players to buffer toxicity.