Editing Voice chat in online gaming (section)

== Impact ==
In online gaming, voice chat has been a great contributor to strengthening social bonds, improving teamwork, and increasing the engagement of players. Studies have found that voice chat in online games allowed connections between players with real-time coordination for cooperative games, leading to the growth of better friendships.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Ghetau |first=Cosmin |last2=Bogdan lovu |first2=Mihai |date=July 2021 |title='I Hear You': Effects of Voice Communication on the Social Capital of Gamers |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357105373_%27I_Hear_You%27_Effects_of_Voice_Communication_on_the_Social_Capital_of_Gamers |journal=ResearchGate}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Wadley |first1=Greg |last2=Carter |first2=Marcus |last3=Gibbs |first3=Martin |date=2015-05-01 |title=Voice in Virtual Worlds: The Design, Use, and Influence of Voice Chat in Online Play |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07370024.2014.987346 |journal=Human–Computer Interaction |volume=30 |issue=3-4 |pages=336–365 |doi=10.1080/07370024.2014.987346 |issn=0737-0024|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Games that use courtesy-based mechanics, in-game benefits that encourage good behavior, are seen to have higher rates of positive speech among their players.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Zargham |first=Nima |last2=Alexandrovsky |first2=Dmirty |last3=Friehs |first3=Maximilian |last4=Zebal |first4=Sven |date=March 2023 |title=Speaking Up Against Toxicity: Opportunities and Challenges of Utilizing Courtesy as a Game Mechanic |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369542750_Speaking_Up_Against_Toxicity_Opportunities_and_Challenges_of_Utilizing_Courtesy_as_a_Game_Mechanic |journal=ResearchGate}}</ref> Players were also seen to have greater trust and cooperation with other players with those who used online voice chat as vocal cues, tone, emphasis, or emotional nuances in a player's voice adds emotional depth and clarity to interactions.<ref name=":1" /> When voice chat in online gaming is properly moderated, it can strengthen online gaming communities as it creates a safe and beneficial environment where players feel heard and valued.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=Martins |first=Alexandre |last2=Filipa Martins |first2=Ana |last3=Gavina |first3=Ana |last4=Torres Valente |first4=Beatriz |date=August 2024 |title=Interactive Narratives Propose Pluralist Speech: Results of a project aimed at researching and countering online hate speech in video games |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383505524_Interactive_Narratives_Propose_Pluralist_Speech_Results_of_a_project_aimed_at_researching_and_countering_online_hate_speech_in_video_games |journal=ResearchGate}}</ref>

However, voice chat gaming has also been a major problem for online toxicity and harassment. Research has indicated that women and racial minorities face higher levels of verbal abuse compared to others, many of whom are compelled to avoid voice chat to escape discrimination.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> Games with the lack of moderation in voice chat systems create an environment where offensive language and hate speech don’t have any consequences for players. Voice chat that isn’t moderated can lead to player disagreement, increased stress, and mental health concerns for those regularly exposed to online verbal harassment.<ref name=":3" /> There are attempts to stop the toxicity, such as giving rewards for those who are polite or restricting the toxic players’ ability to communicate with other players. However, these attempts have faced resistance from some players as they are seen to limit free speech of the players.<ref name=":3" />

The implementation of voice chat in online gaming has caused gaming to offer both beneficial social interactions and the potential for harmful experiences. While it does enhance teamwork, friendships, and immersion among players, an unmoderated use can cause widespread toxicity and exclusion.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> There is still the challenge of balancing free communication while providing moderation to ensure a safe space for all gamers. The negative effects of voice chat gaming are being addressed, and the positive effects are being strengthened, by researchers and players investigating various approaches, such as implementing courtesy-driven mechanics, enhancing moderation tools, and supporting community-led projects.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />