EDIT: Since writing Twitch has confirmed it has not banned words including “simp.” “We do not have a blanket ban on the use of words like ‘simp’ in casual banter, but will take action when words like this (amongst others) are used to harass and harm community members,” said Twitch.
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW:
Streaming platform Twitch has banned a new wave of words including the term “simp” as part of its plans to combat hostility online.
The reported banning of new words not only includes ‘simp’, but also ‘incel’ and ‘virgin’.
In case you didn’t know, the word simp is often used to insult males that are seen to be “attentive and submissive to women” or those who have a feeling of entitlement after showing some loyalty.
In streaming terms, people branded as “simps” might donate a lot of money to female streamers which results in a feeling of being owed.
“Incel” is fairly similar to the term “simp,” and is used to describe someone who might show anger towards individuals if they’re not ‘getting some’. “Virgin” on the other hand, well I’m sure you know what that means.
While these words can be used in an insulting way, they are perhaps not the worst words that someone could use. I mean we could all instantly list far harsher curse words right now if we wanted to.
Esports consultant Rod Breslau revealed the newly banned words in a tweet.
“A Twitch spokesperson has provided a statement on using terms such as simp and incel, stating that “using these terms on their own wouldn’t lead to an enforcement but we would take action if they were used repeatedly in a harassing manner,” tweeted Breslau.
So according to the tweet above, you might not get banned for using such words instantly, but if you kept using the word “virgin” you might get banned, apparently.
In another tweet Breslau shared that you could even get a ban on Twitch for using any emotes associated with the words simp, incel and virgin as it is now included in the Terms of Service.
“Twitch now says that you can no longer call others ‘simp’, ‘incel’, and ‘virgin’ as they are now against TOS, along with any emotes relating to the term simp Twitch baby, what is you doing?”
A section of Twitch’s TOS reads: “Our updated policy takes a clearer and more consistent stance against hate and harassment, and gives you greater insight on what is and isn’t acceptable on Twitch.“
It continues: “Hateful conduct and harassment have always been prohibited, but we’ve added more details and specific examples to help you understand how the policy is applied in practice.”
As you would expect, social media has reacted to this news accordingly.
Only recently Twitch also banned the tag “Blind Playthrough” to encourage streamers to use alternative terms such as “First Time Playthrough” as the word “blind” can be offensive to gamers without sight.
Do you believe Twitch is right to have banned the word “simp” and others? Let us know across our social media channels.
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Featured Image Credit: Twitch/Unsplash