Triggers for ‘gamer rage’ revealed in new study

By Lilli Humphrey via SWNS

Triggers for 'gamer rage' in children have been identified by a new study.

Outbursts of rage amongst children are causing concern and public debate around the effects of digital gaming.

A new study, conducted by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland, examined the subject from a child’s perspective.

The findings showed that one reason for gamer rage in children was disappointment with their own performance.

Project Researcher Juho Kahila said: “repeated or last-minute game failures, or losing to a beginner, caused annoyance and rage."

Actions taken by other players - such as cheating or losing a game because of less-skilled teammates - were perceived as points of rage too.

Out-of-game interruptions - such as having to do chores or homework, and technical problems, such as poor internet connections - were also anger triggers.

Some games in particular were perceived as rage triggering, according to the findings published in the International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction.

Mr. Kahila explained that games that involved playing against a real human or getting humiliated by another player were identified as factors predisposing to rage.

via GIPHY

He says "toxicity within the gaming community such as unpleasant remarks or bullying by other players, as well as a noisy gaming environment” were identified as rage-inducing.

Mr. Kahila said: “In addition, troubles in daily life, such as having a bad day at school, or feeling hungry, were also recognized as factors contributing to rage."

He said that in essays, written by the children taking part in the study, gamer rage often took the form of verbal expressions, as well as physical expressions, and eventually quitting the game.

In the outbursts children not only yelled and swore, but they also kicked and threw items such as the console, controllers, or furniture.

Mr. Kahila said that the study shows that the reasons behind rage whilst digital gaming are very complex but, despite that, children are good at naming them.

He said that many of the reasons leading to rage in digital gaming - such as in-game failures, cheating opponents, or a toxic gaming environment - are also in other gaming settings.

“For example, feelings of outrage caused by one’s own mistakes, a penalty missed by a referee, or annoying behavior by an opponent are all familiar, in real-life situations - such as ice hockey and football," Mr. Kahila added.