Beyond Toxicity: How Teen Gamers Construct Meaning through Trash Talking in Online Game Communication
Abstract
The rapid expansion of online games has transformed virtual communication into a central space for social interaction among teenagers. One communicative practice that frequently emerges in competitive gaming environments is trash talking, which is often ambiguously positioned between playful banter and toxic behavior. This study aims to explore the essence and meaning of trash talking within virtual communication by examining teenagers’ symbolic interactions in the PUBG Mobile gaming community. Employing a qualitative literature review approach, this research synthesizes findings from recent international journal articles that address trash talking, toxic communication, and symbolic interaction in online gaming contexts. The analysis reveals that trash talking functions not merely as verbal aggression but also as a symbolic practice through which players negotiate identity, emotional expression, group solidarity, and social hierarchy. While some forms of trash talking are perceived as motivational or normative within specific gaming cultures, others overlap with toxic behaviors such as flaming and cyberbullying, potentially disrupting group dynamics and emotional well-being. This study contributes to the body of communication and game studies by clarifying the conceptual boundaries between trash talking and toxicity, particularly from the perspective of adolescent players. The findings highlight the importance of contextual and cultural interpretations in understanding virtual communication ethics and suggest the need for more nuanced regulatory and educational approaches within online gaming communities.
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