Summary
Online platforms originally designed for gaming, like Discord, Roblox, and Steam, are now being used for social interactions among young people. These spaces, often hidden from public view, are attracting attention due to concerns about hate speech and exploitation. Extremist groups, previously removed from mainstream social media, are using these gaming platforms to spread radical ideas anonymously.
Key Facts
- Young people are increasingly using gaming platforms like Discord, Roblox, and Steam for social interaction.
- These platforms allow users to engage in conversations anonymously, often making it harder for harmful content to be detected.
- Extremist groups and predators are utilizing these spaces to target young, engaged users.
- Most conversations on these platforms are harmless, but some involve radical or dangerous ideas.
- Roblox, a gaming platform for children, has faced criticism and legal action over inappropriate content and user safety concerns.
- Discord was used for planning the 2017 Unite the Right rally, and incidents of violence have been linked to content shared on this platform.
- The 2022 Buffalo shooting was livestreamed on Twitch, highlighting concerns about content moderation on gaming platforms.
- Gaming platforms are being scrutinized for not investing enough in content moderation to keep users safe.
