The Influence of Gaming Influencers on Gender Norms
The Power of Everyday Celebrities
Dr. Lauren Gurrieri, an Associate Professor at RMIT University, highlights the immense cultural authority that gaming influencers wield. Often considered "everyday celebrities," these influencers have the ability to shape the worldviews of their substantial audiences. As Dr. Gurrieri notes, followers often feel an intimate connection with these influencers, creating a one-sided relationship that enhances the influencer’s power. This dynamic can be perilous, particularly given the significant impact influencers have on impressionable young audiences.
Targeting Young Audiences
Much of the content produced by gaming influencers primarily targets tween boys. This demographic is particularly susceptible to the messages conveyed through popular platforms like YouTube, YouTube Kids, and Twitch. The content often glorifies certain behaviors and attitudes that can reinforce harmful gender norms, contributing to a culture where misogyny and sexism can thrive. The algorithms of social media platforms exacerbate this issue by promoting content that aligns with existing behaviors, sometimes to the detriment of young viewers.
Gender Norms and Gaming Culture
The communication of gender norms through gaming content can serve as a cultural driver of sexism. Dr. Gurrieri’s research sheds light on how these norms not only shape attitudes within gaming contexts but can spill over into broader societal views about gender. Alarmingly, a recent eSafety research study revealed that around a fifth of teen gamers have encountered hate speech, while over 10% have noted expressions of misogyny regarding men’s supremacy over women. Such statistics illustrate the urgent need to address how these narratives are perpetuated online.
Preventing Harmful Norms
Dr. Gurrieri emphasizes the importance of examining the experiences of parents and tween boys in the online gaming realm. By promoting positive and respectful behaviors, there is potential to prevent approximately 800,000 tween boys in Australia from internalizing harmful gender norms. This approach could play a critical role in reducing tech-based abuse of women and fostering a safer online environment.
Grant-Aided Research
Dr. Gurrieri’s impactful research project, titled "Gendered Norms and Gaming Influencers: Promoting Positive and Respectful Gaming for ‘Tween’ Boys," has received a grant from the eSafety Commissioner as part of the Australian Government’s initiative to combat tech-based abuse. This funding underscores the significance of her work and the urgent need for interventions in the gaming landscape to tackle gender inequality.
Navigating Digital Spaces Safely
Professor Lisa Given, another notable academic at RMIT University, speaks to the challenges posed by gaming platforms, which currently operate without stringent age restrictions under Australia’s Social Media Minimum Age law. This lack of regulation means that young users can be exposed to potentially harmful content, including themes that endorse violence and misogyny.
In response to the evolving landscape of online interactions, platforms like Roblox—one of the largest game-creation environments—are starting to introduce new safety measures. With a user base of 380 million, many of whom are children, these measures aim to mitigate risks like grooming and exposure to harmful content.
Understanding Platform Policies
As new laws come into effect, it’s anticipated that younger users may shift towards gaming platforms to circumvent age restrictions on social media. This trend emphasizes the necessity for parents to be vigilant about their children’s online experiences. Understanding the content they engage with and providing proper guidance can help ensure that children navigate these digital landscapes safely.
Professor Given advocates for active parental involvement, encouraging adults to familiarize themselves with the platforms their children use and to engage in discussions about online safety. This guidance is crucial, as children often encounter challenges that require a nuanced understanding of digital dynamics.
The Role of Research in Addressing Challenges
Both Dr. Gurrieri and Professor Given’s research serves as a vital touchpoint for understanding the complex interplay between gaming culture, gender norms, and online safety. By addressing these issues through both academic inquiry and practical recommendations, they aim to foster a healthier digital environment that empowers young players while mitigating the risks associated with harmful content. The ongoing dialogue about gender norms in gaming remains more critical than ever, as society grapples with the consequences of digital interactions in shaping future generations.