4 Problematic Myths About Female Gamers: Debunked!
Many people believe that video games are only for boys and men, which means that girls and women who enjoy gaming are often ignored and not taken seriously. This belief has been around for a long time, creating problematic myths about female gamers. These myths are not based on facts but on false assumptions and stereotypes.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the most common myths about female gamers and explain why they’re not true and why debunking them matters. Let’s make the gaming community a place where everybody can feel safe and accepted.
Myth #1: Female Gamers are Rare
One of the most persistent myths about female gamers is that they’re a rare sight in the gaming world. But the truth is, female gamers are more common than you might think.
In fact, according to Statista, women make up almost half (41.5%) of all gamers in the United States. Additionally, 42% of Xbox owners are women, mostly aged between 25 to 34.
Not only are female gamers common, but they’re also making significant contributions to the gaming community. For example, did you know that the 10th most followed gamer on Twitch is Pokimane, a Moroccan Canadian woman? Additionally, she has over 6 million followers on Instagram and YouTube.
Myth #2: Female Gamers Only Play Casual & Mobile Games
Just like in music, there are many genres within the gaming community. Some are dominated by men, others by women. Quantic Foundry reports that the percentage of female gamers varies widely depending on the type of game. For instance, only 7% of those who play first-person shooter games are women. In comparison, women comprise 69% of players in games such as Family/Farm Simulator.
However, such statistics can be deceiving, especially considering that 76% of female gamers hide their gender to avoid online harassment. 25% have stopped playing particular games to avoid online abuse, which can explain why there aren’t many women in genres such as FPS or MOBA games.
The notion that female gamers only engage in casual and mobile games, like Candy Crush, is false and oversimplified. In reality, many women feel compelled to hide their identities to avoid harassment. Sometimes, they even stop playing certain games altogether due to the online harassment they encounter.
Myth #3: Female Gamers Only Play to Get Attention
One of the most harmful myths about female gamers is that they only play games to get attention from male gamers. Female gamers play games for the same reasons as male gamers: for fun, challenge, and social interaction.
Women don’t play games for attention. Quitethe contrary – they often fall victim to unwanted attention and harassment from male gamers. If anything, female gamers often receive unwanted attention.
Sunpi, a famous female gamer on Twitch with over 36.7 followers, shared her frustrating experiences concerning online harassment with Independent. Despite her talent and dedication to gaming, she’s often accused of playing games just for male attention. She constantly faces sexual harassment and threats – a problem that her male colleagues don’t have to deal with.
Myth #4: Women Aren’t as Skilled as Men due to Innate Gender Differences
Female gamers often face harassment because some believe that men are naturally better at gaming than women. However, research shows that women advance in online games at least as fast as men do. And this has further implications for bridging the digital gender divide. Gaming can promote various cognitive, motivational, and social benefits, including an interest in STEM fields and spatial cognition skills. Gaming could even encourage girls and women to enter computing-related fields.
The abovementioned research challenges the assumption that women play less, perform worse, and choose less competitive genres and elements shaping women’s gaming experiences. By controlling these factors, we can better understand women’s experiences in gaming and work towards creating a more inclusive gaming culture.
Ultimately, debunking the myth that men are naturally better at gaming than women is important for creating a more welcoming and equitable gaming community. By recognizing and valuing the contributions of female gamers, we can break down barriers and promote greater diversity and inclusion in gaming.
Debunking Myths about Female Gamers: Why Does It Matter?
Debunking myths about female gamers is vital because it can help make the gaming community more inclusive. Many female gamers feel marginalized because of the stereotype that gaming is a male-dominated hobby.
Female players can be subjected to invasive comments when they encounter male players. Consequently, women don’t feel welcome or safe in the gaming community. Many women still hide their gender when playing online to avoid rape and death threats, sexist remarks, and harassment.
Violence can even move from the online spaces to the physical world. For example, the 19-year-old gaming star Ingrid Oliveira Bueno da Silva was murdered by her rival in Brazil. Let this tragic incident serve as a reminder that the gaming community is not immune to the violence and misogyny that exists in wider society.
By debunking myths about female gamers and promoting inclusivity and respect within the gaming community, we can help create a safer and more welcoming environment for all gamers, regardless of gender.
Recap & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, it’s important to remember that the myths about female gamers are just that: myths. Female gamers are just as passionate, skilled, and diverse as male gamers. They deserve to be treated with respect and inclusivity. By debunking these myths, we can work towards a more welcoming and inclusive gaming culture. We can also encourage girls to pursue careers in computing-related fields.
Dear female gamer, don’t be discouraged by these myths. Keep playing the games you love, and don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong in the gaming world. And if you’re a male gamer, be an ally to female gamers and speak out against harassment in the gaming community when you encounter it.
Ultimately, the gaming community includes individuals from all walks of life, and it’s important to celebrate that diversity. Let’s work towards a world where gamers of all genders can come together to enjoy the games they love without fear of judgment or discrimination.