Towards a unified theory of toxic behavior in video games
ISSN: 1066-2243
Article publication date: 14 April 2020
Issue publication date: 22 June 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Toxic behavior in multiplayer video games diminishes the potential revenue of gaming companies by spreading a bad mood, negatively affecting game play, and subsequently leading to the churn of players. However, research investigating why toxic behavior occurs is still scarce. To address this issue, this study disjunctively tests three different theoretical approaches (social cognitive theory, theory of planned behavior, and online disinhibition effect) to explain toxic behavior and propose a unified theory of toxic behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 320 respondents participated in a questionnaire study. This study analyzes the data with covariance-based statistics (i.e. regression analysis and structural equation modelling), and the approach is twofold. First, the hypotheses of three theories are disjunctively tested. Second, a unified theory of toxic behavior is proposed.
Findings
The results of this study indicate that online disinhibition best explains toxic behavior, whereby toxic behavior victimization, attitude, and behavioral control also play an important role.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study offer an opportunity to better understand a contemporary and especially meaningful form of negative behavior online.
Practical implications
To maintain revenue and popularity, the computer game industry can use the findings of this study to prevent and better address toxic behavior and its negative consequences.
Originality/value
Toxic behavior among video game players is a relatively new and unexplored phenomenon; therefore, this study makes a valuable contribution to the research field by testing the explanatory power of three theoretical approaches and proposing a unified theory of toxic behavior.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study is based on the conference paper “Approaching a Theory of Toxic Behavior in MOBA Games” presented at the 39th International Conference on Information Systems, San Francisco, USA authored by Kordyaka, B. (2018).
Citation
Kordyaka, B., Jahn, K. and Niehaves, B. (2020), "Towards a unified theory of toxic behavior in video games", Internet Research, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 1081-1102. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-08-2019-0343
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited