It’s basic stuff, but some people need to see this.

1. Always treat people with respect. This means you treat others the way you want to be treated.
2. Don’t call people names like “trash” or “dog water.” Some people have off days and some people just aren’t as good at video games. That shouldn’t devalue them as a human being.
3. Don’t be misogynistic or use racial slurs. You might think it’s funny and you might know inside that you’re not being serious but others don’t perceive it that way.
4. Don’t say that anyone on your team is “throwing” either to your own team or to all chat.
5. Don’t tell people to kill themselves or uninstall the game.
6. Understand that people take criticism differently. If you want to give feedback to another player, try phrasing it in a nicer way. You’ll get better results with “Hey Brim, do you mind smoking heaven and CT?” over something like “Brim, can you actually be useful and smoke the site for once?”
7. Understand that not everything directed at you is ill-intentioned. Try to give people the benefit of the doubt instead of escalating things. You might be surprised.
8. Gaming can get frustrating sometimes. It’s no excuse to go off on your teammates. Take a break and make sure that gaming isn’t negatively affecting your relationships with your family and friends, which should be prioritized above all.
9. Have fun. Sometimes we think that having fun = winning. That’s not true. If you’re able to laugh about losing, you’re on the right track. This is a long journey that is about so much more than your rank. Appreciate the growth you’re experiencing and do your best!

Anyone who has been toxic knows how painful toxicity can be. Don’t give in. Fight toxicity.