Exploring Victimization, Perpetration, and Reporting Experiences in Video Game Communities: Development of a Spanish Survey and Preliminary Findings

• In Event: "Navigating Cyber Challenges: Adolescent Online Victimization and Its Implications"

Abstract

Within the "GamerVictim Project," our research aims to uncover the factors influencing individuals’ vulnerability to crimes and toxic behaviors in the virtual communities surrounding video games. From hate speech to harassment, sexual misconduct, and/or identity theft, we recognize the myriad of challenges within gaming environments. To address these, we've conducted an extensive literature review and developed an ad-hoc tailored survey for the purpose of this project. This survey, the first of its kind in Spain, aims to quantify the prevalence of victimization and understand users’ experiences with reporting and content moderation processes provided by the platforms or moderators responsible for each content. By collecting quantitative data, we seek to shed light on the scope of these issues and identify areas for improvement regarding the victimization experiences that participants and users of those communities might suffer. Our presentation will outline the survey’s construction, and also share some preliminary findings, emphasizing trends in victimization and reporting. Ultimately, our survey highlights the need for a collaborative action among industry, regulators, and society, in order to create safer online gaming spaces, therefore promoting a digital environment that is secure and healthy for its potential users.

Authors

• Esther Nanclares González, University Miguel Hernández of Elche

• Pablo Romero-Seseña, CRÍMINA Center, University Miguel Hernández of Elche