---

The word's most recent meaning, used especially in online settings, does not have an official definition and many people have their own opinion of what toxicity is.

To simplify matters and establish a baseline of conduct within the group, the following definition will be used:

Toxicity
An aspect displayed by one or many players that exhibit what can be deemed by others as rude and insulting behaviour in an attempt, intentional or otherwise, to provoke friction and hostility.

In other words, toxicity is when someone acts like a ♥♥♥♥ to others.



Toxic behaviour isn't always obvious. There can also be different levels of toxicity.


Here are some pointers to help you identify a toxic player:

- He is being insulting, calling someone names or making unpleasant comments about them.

- He tries to kick someone for not playing how he wants them to play, despite them having a high skill level at the game.

- He blames them for the team's failures.

If you are still unsure, ask yourself, "How do I feel playing with this person?" . If your answer is something like, "Bad", then he is most likely toxic. Games are supposed to be fun, after all.


The way to deal with toxicity depends on what kind it is, and what person you're dealing with.

I won't give the answer here, since it is too circumstantial. If you are interested in learning how to deal with a toxic player, please visit the discussion titled "How to deal with a toxic player" in the "Guidelines & Essentials" topic!


Let's play a game

I will give you situations and you must decide if they show signs of toxicity based on the definition given!


Situation 1

Someone keeps calling you a ♥♥♥♥♥ (or any other slur you prefer). It's bothering you, so you tell him to stop. He responds with," I always speak like this to everyone, it's how I am, don't be so sensitive." He continues to call you a ♥♥♥♥♥.

Answer:
Yes
He understands that his way of speaking is unpleasant to you, yet he refuses to stop, blaming you to be too sensitive instead.
+ Slurs such as "♥♥♥♥♥" are generally known to be offensive. If he thinks he can call strangers "♥♥♥♥♥" without offending them, he's an idiot.



Situation 2

You have not been playing this game for too long. You join a versus match, make many mistakes on the survivor team and make your team lose. You get kicked from the match.

Answer:
No
They did not kick you to piss you off, they kicked you because they found that your skill level is sub-par and they simply want a player that can help them win the match. While it is unpleasant, you can understand why they kicked you.
However
If they call you a ♥♥♥♥♥♥ and tell you to go play campaign until you "git gud, ♥♥♥♥♥", then they are toxic.


Situation 3

You join a random casual versus match. While playing, you make a simple mistake. Your team kicks you shortly after.

Answer:
Yes
When playing the game in a casual setting, one should understand that mistakes are bound to happen. When they do, they should be easily forgiven because it's a casual game which is meant to offer a fun and relaxed atmosphere to the players.
Kicking someone after a simple mistake is nothing short of rude.



That's everything! Thank you!

Don't hesitate to leave a comment or to contact me or any moderator if you have any questions, suggestions, ideas or comments!

---