Description
This study will focus on radicalization and polarization within gaming contexts and unmoderated all-chats in online games and games-related media (e.g., discord). As online gaming communities continue to grow, they have become significant social platforms where individuals interact, form identities, and engage in discussions. These virtual environments can inadvertently foster radicalization and polarization, posing substantial risks to social cohesion and individual well-being.
Radicalization within gaming contexts often occurs through exposure to extremist ideologies, hate speech, and toxic behaviors that can be amplified by the anonymity and lack of accountability in online interactions. Polarization, on the other hand, is exacerbated by echo chambers and algorithmic biases that reinforce divisive viewpoints, leading to a fragmented community. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate harmful behaviors and promote positive social interactions.
Moreover, the immersive nature of gaming and the strong emotional investments of players can make these environments particularly susceptible to manipulation by extremist groups seeking to recruit and radicalize individuals. Unmoderated, potentially global, chatrooms, where players from diverse backgrounds communicate in real-time, can become hotspots for the spread of misinformation, propaganda, and inflammatory rhetoric.
Studying radicalization and polarization in these contexts provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of online radicalization and the factors that contribute to the polarization of opinions. This knowledge is essential for policymakers, game developers, and community managers to create safer and more inclusive gaming environments. By implementing effective moderation tools, educational initiatives, and community guidelines, it is possible to counteract the negative effects of radicalization and polarization, fostering a more positive and cohesive online gaming culture.
Depending on the study outcome and setup, there is an opportunity to publish this research in an international peer-reviewed journal.
This project will have you work in a larger research team. Multiple students may collaborate on this.
Key words
Radicalization, polarization, gaming, game-context, online environment, terrorist recruitment
Research Questions
What political messages are posted online in games or games related media? What discussions are undertaken? How does the community react to hate speech and radical messages? What could be effective moderation tools?
The scope and RQs can be adjusted depending on the student and the number of students.
Type of Research
Observational research. May involve both qualitative and quantitative data. This may involve monitoring online chatrooms (e.g., BattleNet all-chat)
Information
Please contact Lynn Weiher (l.weiher@utwente.nl) when you are interested in this assignment. The assignment is open to two students.
Literature
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