Radicalization in the gaming ecosystem: The application of self-determination theory

Understanding and reducing extremist content in gaming is increasingly important, as 33.4 percent of the population plays video games and extremist content is becoming more common in games and related platforms. This paper examines how gaming and extremism intersect, focusing on how users may become radicalized. Using self-determination theory (SDT; Deci and Ryan, 1985), we build on Schlegel’s (2022) work to explore radicalization within the gaming environment. We also examine how SDT applies to gamification and gaming communities, and how these factors might contribute to radicalization. Finally, we highlight the value of using psychological theories to understand new social challenges and outline future directions for research and prevention.