Digital citizens are people who use information technology (IT) to interact with others. As online information is widely accessible, it is important to maintain a safe space for both the players and viewers for several reasons:
Privacy Protection: Broadcasting or streaming esports can attract a wide audience, including strangers. Prioritize your safety by ensuring no personal information are shown during your livestreams. This includes anyone’s real name, address, contact details, or personal details.
Online Harassment Prevention: Streaming platforms can sometimes attract individuals who engage in online harassment, trolling, or cyberbullying. Implement individuals as moderators for your chat to remove messages or individuals who are not contributing positively towards the community you are looking to build.
Cybersecurity: Streaming or broadcasting accounts can be targeted by hackers or malicious individuals seeking to gain unauthorized access. By using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious about sharing personal information, you can enhance and protect your accounts from unauthorized access.
Emotional Well-being: Streaming or broadcasting esports often involves interacting with a live audience, which can be both rewarding and overwhelming. By setting boundaries, managing chat or comment sections, and addressing harassment promptly, you can protect your emotional well-being and maintain a positive streaming experience.
Local Privacy Laws: Especially when streaming & broadcasting on behalf of a school club or team, privacy laws can vary from county to county and state to state. Be sure to check with your coach and review your school’s bylaws to ensure you are abiding by these pre-established rules
Physical Safety: While streaming or broadcasting from home or public venues, you should be cautious about revealing anyone’s exact location to protect yourself and teammates from potential risks, such as doxxing or swatting incidents.
“Doxxing” is when a person releases personal details about someone, usually someone they know. They may make up fake accounts pretending to be another person. Especially when streaming & broadcasting on behalf of a school club or team, privacy laws can vary from county to county and state to state. Be sure to check with your coach and review your school’s bylaws.
“Swatting” is when someone makes hoax calls to emergency services taking them away from real emergencies.