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Twitter reacts as Twitch streamers organize #ADayOffTwitch movement to protest against the platform  

By Nakul Ahuja
Modified Aug 21, 2021 20:19 GMT
Streamers plan on stepping away from Twitch for a day (Image via Twitter)
Streamers plan on stepping away from Twitch for a day (Image via Twitter)

The last couple of years have been full of turmoil for Twitch. True, the platform has played a massive role in providing space for streamers, big and small, to create content and share it with their audiences.

However, "hate-raids" have become a matter of great concern. Several streamers have spoken at length on the issue, but it has made little difference.

Even though Twitch has banned scores of accounts for breaching its guidelines, the Amazon-owned streaming platform has failed to keep the problem at bay.

The streamers, on the flip side, have taken matters into their own hands by giving birth to the #ADayOffTwitch movement, which will see them step away from the platform for a day on September 1.

Why isn't Twitch taking control of the situation?

Several streamers have reached out to the platform's developers, asking them to take serious action on the harassment they face on a daily basis.

Sadly, Twitch has failed to put an end to their troubles, which have only become worse in the last few months.

Another campaign, #TwitchDoBetter was a massive push, which was started by several black streamers on the platform.

The trend bagged everyone's attention, including Twitch. The platform came out with a formal apology and stated that it would do better to create a safer environment for the streamers under its umbrella.

To everyone's dismay, this hasn't really happened and Twitch has failed in its resolve.

Hundreds of streamers have joined the movement and have decided to step away from the platform for a day.

What are hate-raids?

This is one of the most absurd trends that has surfaced on Twitch. Tons of viewers spam the streamer's chat with hateful comments targeting their identity and beliefs.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community have been targeted with homophobic and transphobic messages for being active participants in the movement.

Twitch updated its guidelines a few weeks back to block offensive words. Viewers, however, can easily bypass this by putting in incorrect spellings.

Twitch has been a frontrunner in the streaming fraternity for a while now. Sadly, its complacency around such integral issues has appalled streamers and their honest patrons.

While we don't know if this movement will be successful, it's a step in the right direction.

Note: The article reflects the views of the writer.