You were in your room, sitting at your PC, while your boyfriend Austin was on his laptop beside you. The two of you were playing Roblox together. You had just started a new game, so you weren’t very skilled yet, but Austin already knew his way around and played well.

It was a team-based match, and you both ended up on the same side with a few players who weren’t exactly friendly. Because you were still learning, they treated you like bait. The chat filled with toxic messages: “Leave the game, kid.” Another added, “fr.” And one more piled on with, “Stop playing or quit, whatever—just leave.”

Even though you were just trying to have fun with Austin, their words stung. You couldn’t help but feel upset.