Harassment in Dota 2: Statistical Analysis of Player Experiences and Community Perspectives
Savolainen, Roope (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052918103
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052918103
Tiivistelmä
Online harassment is a pervasive problem in competitive gaming communities. This thesis examined harassment in Dota 2, a popular multiplayer online battle arena game, using original survey data from 33 players. This study investigated whether a player's skill tier (MMR), gender, or age is associated with the frequency and types of harassment they experience.
Descriptive statistics revealed that 100% of respondents have encountered harassment in Dota 2, with verbal insults and in-game sabotage (griefing) being the most common forms. Correlation analysis did not reveal any meaningful pattern between MMR or age and harassment frequency. Gender-based comparisons were limited by the small number of female participants, but all genders reported high rates of abuse. Across all demographics, Dota 2 players reported frequent experiences of harassment.
Consistent with earlier research, this study found that frequent verbal abuse and griefing in Dota 2 reduce players’ motivation to continue playing and cause emotional strain. Participants widely perceive the Dota 2 community as toxic and express low confidence in existing reporting systems. Many respondents selfreported muting or reporting offenders yet also noted that current moderation measures are largely ineffective. The thesis discusses these results in the context of literature on online disinhibition, gaming culture, and gender issues. The thesis provides practical recommendations reflecting the community’s perspective: improved reporting feedback, stronger moderation (e.g. automated detection of abuse), and community education to foster a more inclusive gaming environment.
Descriptive statistics revealed that 100% of respondents have encountered harassment in Dota 2, with verbal insults and in-game sabotage (griefing) being the most common forms. Correlation analysis did not reveal any meaningful pattern between MMR or age and harassment frequency. Gender-based comparisons were limited by the small number of female participants, but all genders reported high rates of abuse. Across all demographics, Dota 2 players reported frequent experiences of harassment.
Consistent with earlier research, this study found that frequent verbal abuse and griefing in Dota 2 reduce players’ motivation to continue playing and cause emotional strain. Participants widely perceive the Dota 2 community as toxic and express low confidence in existing reporting systems. Many respondents selfreported muting or reporting offenders yet also noted that current moderation measures are largely ineffective. The thesis discusses these results in the context of literature on online disinhibition, gaming culture, and gender issues. The thesis provides practical recommendations reflecting the community’s perspective: improved reporting feedback, stronger moderation (e.g. automated detection of abuse), and community education to foster a more inclusive gaming environment.