No matter how wholesome a game can be, you can find an inkling of toxicity hidden deep within the community–it's just hard to eradicate it completely.
In the realm of video games, especially online ones, toxicity can cast a dark shadow over the experience of its players from a mental and emotional standpoint. And being constantly exposed to such behavior of unsportsmanlike actions can seep into your own response toward other players.
Basically, if you remain toxic, you will be toxic yourself–you will be part of the problem! But don’t worry; stick around and let this article remind you how you can fight the battle against toxicity.
Breathe. If you feel your blood boil and your grip tightens, it might be time to breathe.
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In, out, and repeat. Having mindful deep breaths is a valuable step in your battle against toxicity. These exercises regulate your emotions and reduce stress. So instead of shouting your heart out, you can replace it with a long and deep breath.
By consciously breathing, players can regain control over their emotions, maintain a clear mindset, and avoid escalating conflicts. Additionally, deep breathing is a reminder to step back from toxic encounters, prioritize self-care, and approach gaming with a positive and level-headed attitude.
Phone in a friend. Sharing the experience can allocate the overall load. Win together, lose together; at least it will be bearable with a pal.
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For several reasons, bringing a friend along to join you in playing video games can significantly reduce overall toxicity. Firstly, having a trusted companion by your side creates a supportive and positive environment, acting as a buffer against potential toxic interactions. You know it's great to have a hype man by your side or someone to crack jokes with.
Secondly, playing with a friend will nurture better comms, enabling coordination when fighting for game objectives. Have you ever experienced someone with a crappy mic that is hard to communicate with? Yeah, I think we all came across that experience. Having a friend will make fights easier, knowing that you have someone covering your back.
Mute button. Out of ear, out of mind. Sometimes muting that toxic teammate is the best action.
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Games like CS:GO and Valorant have communication features that allow random teammates to talk to each other. This can ignite friendships and wonderful games but can also be a gateway to toxicity. Because of this communication feature, people abuse it to the point of being downright annoying. If you are in your promo games, you need to be in the right space to win.
So if you are trying your best to communicate for proper comms but continue having that one toxic person, the best game plan is to mute that person. You deserve that win!
Walk away and have a snack. Toxicity can be easy to swallow but hard to remove from your system. Before that happens, taking a break and indulging in a snack can effectively combat toxicity.
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Stepping away from the toxic environment allows for a mental and emotional reset, helping to alleviate stress and frustration. Engaging in a different activity, such as enjoying a snack, can provide a welcome distraction and promote relaxation. This break allows players to regain perspective and detach themselves from the negativity, preventing it from further affecting their mood and gameplay performance.
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