“Who Are the Cyka Blyat?” How Empathy, Impulsivity, and Motivations to Play Predict Aggressive Behaviors in Multiplayer Online Games

Prior studies have mainly focused on the controversial issue of whether violent video games lead to aggressive behavior in real life. However, data regarding antisocial while playing online are still scarce. In this study, we examined relationship between toxicity (a form verbal directed against other players) multiplayer and several potential predictors such as personality traits, emotion reactivity, motivations play. A large-scale survey (n = 816) was conducted among French-speaking adult gamers, assessing game habits, impulsivity, empathy, play (i.e., socialization, achievement, immersion). Results showed that younger age, being male, spending a lot time per week, highly achieving increased likelihood reporting change game. High emotional reactivity high two dimensions impulsivity (negative urgency sensation seeking) toxic behavior. contrast, individuals who more empathic tended report nontoxic socialize reported little Future research should address complexity behaviors displayed during games—notably through experimental allowing direct observation gamers they play—and functional connection psychological, emotional, motivational further detail. Scientific would also benefit from creation validation scale measuring game, social behaviors.