When the game turns toxic: exploring gendered effects on well-being and self-esteem

Hygen, BW; Lydersen, S; Kuss, DJ; Scholz, T; Wendelborg, C

NTU > IRep

IRep

When the game turns toxic: exploring gendered effects on well-being and self-esteem

Tools

Hygen, BW, Lydersen, S, Kuss, DJ ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8917-782X, Scholz, T and Wendelborg, C, 2026. When the game turns toxic: exploring gendered effects on well-being and self-esteem. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 21: 100914. ISSN 2451-9588

Preview

Text
2552295_Kuss.pdf - Published version
Download (1MB) | Preview

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2025.100914

Abstract

Background: Toxic behavior remains a significant problem in online games, but there is scarce knowledge about the psychological effects of being subjected to such behavior, especially across genders. The present study addresses this gap by examining how toxic behavior affects players’ well-being and self-esteem.

Methods: The present study combined elements of an Intensive Longitudinal Study (ILS) and an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) with daily assessments of 88 gamers over a 15-day period, investigating self-esteem, well-being and verbal toxic behavior experience. Data were analysed using a logistic random effects model.

Results: Women received significantly more derogatory comments related to gender, sexuality, religion, or ethnicity, and sexual comments/sounds directed at them compared to men. Women also experienced a significantly stronger effect of toxic behavior on their well-being and self-esteem relative to men.

Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that experiencing toxicity can indeed have significant effects on those who are targeted, especially women. Results should be considered by the gaming industry and gaming community, respectively, to create and maintain safe and welcoming gaming environments.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Computers in Human Behavior Reports
Creators:	Hygen, B.W., Lydersen, S., Kuss, D.J., Scholz, T. and Wendelborg, C.
Publisher:	Elsevier
Date:	March 2026
Volume:	21
ISSN:	2451-9588
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1016/j.chbr.2025.100914 DOI 2552295 Other
Rights:	© 2025 The Authors. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Jeremy Silvester
Date Added:	08 Jan 2026 09:46
Last Modified:	08 Jan 2026 09:46
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54980