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Migration and Home Affairs

Free to Play? Hate, Harassment and Positive Social Experiences in Online Games

Related topic:

Online radicalisation, including minors

Description:

This report presents findings from a large national survey of online multiplayer gamers in the United States, showing that while most players report positive social interactions in online games such as making friends and building communities, a substantial number also experience hate, harassment, and identity‑based abuse during gameplay. Harassment ranged from offensive names and trolling to stalking and threats, with many players targeted because of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. The study also identifies exposure to extremist and hateful rhetoric in gaming environments, including discussions related to white supremacist ideology and Holocaust denial.

Link:

Read the document

Language:

English

Date: 

10.03.2026

Proposed by:

PPHS

Source:

Anti‑Defamation League (ADL), 2019