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Wired
Wired
1y ago 331 views

The Lingering Impact of GamerGate on Internet Culture

The article discusses how the GamerGate controversy, which began in 2014, continues to influence online behavior and communities. It highlights the ongoing presence of aggrieved men who perpetuate harassment and toxic behavior in various internet forums. The piece examines the long-term effects of GamerGate on digital culture and the mechanisms that enable such behavior to persist.
The Lingering Impact of GamerGate on Internet Culture
A What happened
The article discusses how the GamerGate controversy, which began in 2014, continues to influence online behavior and communities. It highlights the ongoing presence of aggrieved men who perpetuate harassment and toxic behavior in various internet forums. The piece examines the long-term effects of GamerGate on digital culture and the mechanisms that enable such behavior to persist.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Origins of GamerGate

    GamerGate started as a campaign ostensibly about ethics in video game journalism but quickly devolved into coordinated harassment, primarily targeting women and marginalized groups in the gaming industry.

  • 2

    Long-term Consequences

    The article underscores the sustained impact of GamerGate, noting that its cultural and social repercussions are still felt today. It has emboldened similar movements and fostered an environment where harassment is normalized online.

  • 3

    Mechanisms of Harassment

    The piece dives into the methods used by those perpetuating harassment, including doxxing, swatting, and coordinated online attacks, which have become more sophisticated over time.

Takeaways

The GamerGate controversy has had a lasting impact on internet culture, perpetuating a cycle of harassment and toxic behavior that continues to affect online communities. Despite its origins nearly a decade ago, the ethos and tactics of GamerGate remain influential, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and efforts to foster safer online spaces.