It's Just Another Day on Twitch: Harassment Experiences of Female Streamers

• In Event: Emerging Forms of Victimization: Digital Harassment, Institutional Harm, and Emotional Consequences

Abstract

As gaming and live streaming continue to increase in popularity, concerns about online harassment have continued to surge. While the gaming industry has historically been male dominated, it is now estimated that half of all gamers are women (Chen, 2023). This study examines the frequency and types of harassment experienced by female Twitch streamers via chat interactions. We report on the results of a content analysis of Twitch chat from streams of female gamers. Particular attention will be given to the types of harassment as well as to the response to the harassment from the streamer, channel moderators, as well as from the other viewers.

Authors

• Rhonda Dobbs, Tarleton State University

• Courtney Waid, Auburn University at Montgomery

• Rebecca Morrow, The University of Texas Permian Basin