A college student playing a video game on their computer.
Game Manager and Coach of UNL Revival, Des Backer, practices the online game Overwatch. Photo by Evan Fort/NNS.

Toxic behavior in video games can take a toll on players’ mental health. Players communicate using text and voice chat options in online multiplayer games like Overwatch. Toxic behaviors like trash-talking, hate speech and sexual harassment occur through these channels.

Sam Newell and Steven Spotanski, two members of UNL Revival the University of Nebraska Lincoln Overwatch team, discuss their experience with this issue.