There is no definite answer as multiple factors can come into swing when it comes to defining someone’s actions when allowed to run amok in a virtual environment.
In WoWs case? Too much has been strung out. That hit of dopamine is so much harder to get now that Blizzard has created multiple jogs and hoops to jump through at the top end.
I’ve started gravitating towards Classic myself, while it is still a long grind in itself its a system that still holds water in terms of stats and abit more of a stable sandbox compared to the likes of retail where one patch can obliterate all your character progress.
They aren’t becoming toxic its been that way for years IMO. But its not like its exclusive to gamers – do you peruse posts on social media . 
with the topics they rage about , gamer rage over “Get Gud” and stuff like that is kind.
(and yes some of this was tongue in cheek, I know some folks really need to chill)
I speculate that a lot of good people quit playing in disgust after the problems at Blizzard came out. Those people exerted an influence that modulated the behavior of the toxic people. Now, there are fewer ethically conscious people playing so the trolls are sort of free to be themselves.
That’s just speculation, though.
I dont think people are more toxic. I believe that people are just way way way way way more easily offended and triggered now.
People have always said things that are considered toxic since the beginning. Difference is at one time folks had a thicker skin and let it roll off their backs but not now… Oh no!
Anonymity. People can speak their minds freely without consequences. I think it’s always been this way and it just shows up more because there are no repercussions. In the past this wasn’t possible because you’d get tar and feathered by angry villagers.
We are who we always have been.
First off, I quit playing retail WoW years ago because of toxic behavior but mainly the botting situation. It’s much better over here on classic TBC, but you’ll always find it. Something you need to understand before you understand why people are so toxic on games is that Human beings are inherently evil. We’ve all dealt with our own personal form of it, and we’ve all most certainly been victimized by it from others. It’s nothing new, it’s infectious and it spoils the fun for everybody. Why these people are being bullies/trolls is very easy to understand, They probably aren’t capable of doing the real life form of said toxic thing. For example, skinny 19 year old dude that hasn’t even lost his virginity yet probably isn’t very meaningful in the Real. Don’t sweat it bro. I understand however, you want to experience this thing that you know and love but it gets interfered with by pathetic losers. Remember, Those who operate in these manners are pathetic, and you are most certainly above them because you have honor.
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Because the streamers are. And it all rolls down hill.
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Its not just gamers. Its the world. Look at literally anything online. Anything negative gets tons of responses and likes. Yet positive things barely get noticed unless it involves animals. “Toxic” complaining and trash talk has become “what the cool kids do”. Its sad but true.
Humanity is on a downward slope my friend and its a slippery one. I think the main reason for this escalation in toxic behavior is people have realized that “online” they can say anything they want and be as big of a jerk as they want with little to no consequences.
Nail on the head here
We live in the age of the microaggression. When trained to view the world through such a lense, how is anything - not - toxic?
I needed to hear this. When I asked the same question on the r/wow subreddit (Please for you own sake, DON’T go there unless you are looking for memes), I was berated and belittled with things like: “you idiot, people can be toxic if they want!” and one guy said “Everybody can do what they want, stop acting like you are better than everybody. Get off your high horse and play a different game. If you see everybody else as toxic, you are the toxic one.” I now avoid the subreddit like the plague. You, kind stranger, are a gem. We need more people like you.
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