Higher harnessing the democratic potential of gaming communities

“Gaming communities reflect many of the problems facing society as a whole,” says Jessika Gerke, an knowledgeable on youth on the Bertelsmann Stiftung and co-author of the examine . “Misogynistic or homophobic attitudes are particularly common among young men, who make up three-quarters of ‘gaming enthusiasts.’ This is another reason why it is important to focus more attention on gaming communities. Doing so will increase the chances of helping young people affected by these issues and countering antidemocratic tendencies.” Educational establishments, educators, youth welfare providers and households are known as upon to create protected areas, encourage counterarguments and interact with younger individuals on an equal footing about their digital lives. Civil society organizations and colleges have a possibility to create progressive and fascinating choices for younger individuals by linking in style sport titles with socially related matters and studying content material. 

To make the potential of gaming communities for democracy – but in addition the challenges they current to democracy – extra seen, Gerke believes it’s essential “that they are finally recognized by policymakers and the public for what they are: key and identity-shaping experiential spaces for millions of young people.””