I don't think I agree with the idea that Steam should add more content moderation. This approach does not appear to work. In anything, it has politicised the social media platforms and led to even more fringe platforms that are diluting law enforcement efforts to track political crimes.
Also, it's easy to cast these ideas towards far-right extremism. But what about something messier, like wars in the Middle East. Then there is China and its oppressive policies: if financial incentives are at the heart of political moderation, then Steam should start toeing the CCP's line, as other companies are quietly doing.
I agree we can't ignore extremism on gaming platforms. But recent history shows that political moderation tends to increase extreme political attitudes, and I'm not certain that the economic and reputational damages are quite what we're expecting them to be.
There is definitly a pipeline to alt right extremists for gamers. I know many former apolitical people who spend most of their time gaming somehow now in an algorythm filled Charlie Kirk, Andrew Tate, Tim Pool and their ilk.
I agree all platforms could set a bar on extremism. Many of the ideas or statements shared on these platforms are harmful and should be addressed. However, I think its all in the optics. These voices are often the loudest in these platforms, providing a "cool" space for those who dont have a spot to feel validated. The Harris/Wallz were talking about interview Streamer Kai Cenat as a counter to Adin Ross but he is largely Apolitical. Viewers on the platform she see more rolemodel-like figures such as Pokimane, Vaush, or Hasan Piker who are loosely in the video game/anime world while taking an alternative stance to the alt right
I don't think I agree with the idea that Steam should add more content moderation. This approach does not appear to work. In anything, it has politicised the social media platforms and led to even more fringe platforms that are diluting law enforcement efforts to track political crimes.
Also, it's easy to cast these ideas towards far-right extremism. But what about something messier, like wars in the Middle East. Then there is China and its oppressive policies: if financial incentives are at the heart of political moderation, then Steam should start toeing the CCP's line, as other companies are quietly doing.
I agree we can't ignore extremism on gaming platforms. But recent history shows that political moderation tends to increase extreme political attitudes, and I'm not certain that the economic and reputational damages are quite what we're expecting them to be.
The point here is that they aren’t even moderating far right extremists.
The lack of moderation is allowing hate groups to organise and recruit from the industry’s biggest store front.
Stream will either move into line of its own accord or be fined by regulators until it does. I’d prefer the former.
There is definitly a pipeline to alt right extremists for gamers. I know many former apolitical people who spend most of their time gaming somehow now in an algorythm filled Charlie Kirk, Andrew Tate, Tim Pool and their ilk.
I agree all platforms could set a bar on extremism. Many of the ideas or statements shared on these platforms are harmful and should be addressed. However, I think its all in the optics. These voices are often the loudest in these platforms, providing a "cool" space for those who dont have a spot to feel validated. The Harris/Wallz were talking about interview Streamer Kai Cenat as a counter to Adin Ross but he is largely Apolitical. Viewers on the platform she see more rolemodel-like figures such as Pokimane, Vaush, or Hasan Piker who are loosely in the video game/anime world while taking an alternative stance to the alt right
......also great, read.