
Roblox user group re-creates real-life mass shooting events
22 Apr 2025 18:19
(BLOOMBERG)A group of Roblox users is re-creating real life school shooting incidents on the gaming platform that's popular with kids, including attacks at Columbine High School and the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.Known as "Active Shooter Studios,' or A.S.S., the group has attracted hundreds of fans on Roblox to its detailed re-creations of the events, according to a report prepared by the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism.A.S.S.'s influence has extended to other platforms, according to the report, including a private Discord server that has been used as a central hub for discussion and promotion of content. It has also been seen on TikTok, where users share content or ask for links to games, and Reddit, where users shared copies of A.S.S.'s maps. One YouTube video posted to the A.S.S. Discord server introduces a game based on the Virginia Tech shooting of 2007, which contains live footage from the attack and has received dozens of comments.A.S.S. specialises in making highly detailed, disturbing re-creations of actual tragedies, the ADL said. The group is part of a larger online subculture known as TCC, many of whose followers have a fascination with serial killers and mass murderers. A.S.S. had also been running a Roblox group that contained about 800 members, where the leaders share announcements and promote their Discord server, according to the report. Roblox said it shut the group down last Friday after being contacted by the ADL."The maps created by A.S.S. are not simple game environments-they are disturbingly graphic and detailed, designed to mimic the mass shootings they're based on with unsettling accuracy and gore,' according to the ADL report. In A.S.S.'s games, players maim or dismember other players or characters, actions that are nominally prohibited by Roblox's community standards.Games that re-create incidents of mass violence can desensitise young people to such events and normalise the re-creations as a form of entertainment, according to the ADL.In one A.S.S. group game seen by Bloomberg, more than 60 players gathered in a re-creation of the events at Columbine. Gamers' Lego-like avatars formed a mob in front of the school holding pitchforks and repeating the White supremacist phrase "You will not replace us.' Players with guns shot students while other players dressed as police officers attempted to gun down the attackers.The game was removed. However, later the same day a new shooting game that advertised its connection to A.S.S. debuted, attracting more than 1,000 visits before it too was removed."Roblox is committed to safety and civility, and our Community Standards explicitly prohibit any content or behavior that depicts, supports, glorifies, or promotes terrorist or extremist organisations in any way,' a Roblox spokesperson said in a statement to Bloomberg."We take steps to remove violative material and accounts from our platform detected by our AI scans, flagged by users, or flagged by external organisations.'Discord said it has a "zero-tolerance policy against content that glorifies violence on our platform. We take decisive actions when we detect violations of our policies, including removing content, banning users, shutting down servers, and engaging with law enforcement.'The Discord server referred to in the ADL report was removed by Discord's Counter Extremism team on April 18, before it was notified by the ADL, according to the company. Discord has removed several accounts related to the community leaders of A.S.S. and has set up alerts so they can track and ban the accounts if they return.A spokesperson for TikTok said its Community Guidelines "prohibit the promotion or incitement of violence, including praising a violent act, and we do not allow anyone to promote violent or hateful actors.'Representatives for Reddit and YouTube didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.Leaders of the A.S.S. community couldn't be reached for comment.Roblox Corp., which attracts about 85 million players to its platform daily, has struggled at times to police content. The site is particularly popular with younger kids, though in recent years has begun skewing to older teens and young adults. The company has been called out by researchers and law enforcement officials for not doing enough to protect children from predators and has had to deal with other games inspired by real-life mass shootings for years.The ADL previously found re-creations of the mosque shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019, which were later taken down.Roblox said "the vast majority' of the community on its platform doesn't seek out the A.S.S. content and it is not easily searchable through our the site's discovery mechanism."And because of the swift, proactive safety measures we have in place, it is very unlikely users would be exposed to such content on our platform. Combatting content that supports extremist views is an internet-wide challenge, as these individuals constantly try to evade detection,' the spokesperson said.Roblox works with organisations including the United Nations-supported Tech Against Terrorism initiative and the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which gave Roblox a high score on moderating hate online. The company is constantly evaluating and improving its moderation practices, according to the spokesperson.
Despite Roblox's efforts to take down the maps created by A.S.S., the group continues to find ways to make the content available, according to the report. For example, it has turned to hosting games on paid Roblox private servers, which give players control over who is admitted to the spaces and make it harder to be detected by Roblox and have their accounts suspended.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Web Release
7 hours ago
- Web Release
LEGO Launches One Piece Sets with Netflix
LEGO has revealed an exciting new One Piece collection, developed in collaboration with Netflix and Tomorrow Studios. Inspired by the hit live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's beloved manga, the new brick-based range captures pivotal moments and settings from One Piece Season 1. This highly anticipated release includes seven intricately designed sets, offering fans the chance to recreate scenes such as Luffy's first meeting with Shanks, the dramatic battle at Arlong Park, and Buggy the Clown's terrifying circus. Each set is packed with interactive play features, detailed interiors, and collectible minifigures, appealing to both long-time followers and new audiences. Standout Sets with Detailed Design One of the collection's highlights is the Going Merry Pirate Ship, a 1,376-piece replica of the Straw Hat Pirates' iconic vessel. The ship includes a fully designed cabin, kitchen, storage space, and accessory room. Minifigures of Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji bring the ship's crew to life. Another showstopper is the Baratie Floating Restaurant, a massive 3,402-piece set featuring rich interior detail, including Zeff's quarters, dining halls, and a treasure room. It comes with ten minifigures, including the Straw Hat crew along with Zeff, Garp, Helmeppo, Koby, and Mihawk. Each set also includes collectible 'Wanted' posters, encouraging fans to complete the full range. Global Events and Launch Details To mark the release, LEGO Stores around the world will host One Piece-themed events throughout August. Activities include a Gum Gum Fruit Make & Take, Straw Hat headband giveaways, and the Minifigure Factory, where fans can create their own custom One Piece characters. LEGO Insiders will also receive a special One Piece passport stamp, enhancing the collectible experience. Ranging from $30 to $330 USD, the LEGO One Piece collection is available for pre-order now, with an official launch date set for August 1, 2025. With Season 2 of Netflix's adaptation arriving in 2026, this collaboration offers fans a new, hands-on way to dive deeper into the One Piece universe.


Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Kajol introduces her unconventional besties this National Bestfriend Day
Actress Kajol decided to introduce the netizens to her unconventional best friends this National Bestfriend Day on Sunday. Kajol revealed that her friends — her coffee, her crochet, and her books have a hard time understanding social media, and hence she could not upload a photo with them. 'I couldn't get any pictures coz I was spending time with my best friends, and they really don't get social coffee, my crochet, and my books! #NationalBestfriendDay.' Kajol penned on social media. On more than one occasion, Kajol has been seen kitting and reading books whenever she gets a chance. Kajol, who will next be seen in the upcoming film 'Maa', corrected actor R. Madhavan that she is not a 'big prankster' and it's her actor-filmmaker husband Ajay Devgn. On Wednesday, the makers of the film took to YouTube and dropped a video, where Kajol and Madhavan were seen having a conversation about the film, which is scheduled to release on June 27. In the video, Madhavan was seen telling Kajol: 'Everyone knows that you're a big prankster.' Denying the hilarious claim, Kajol said: 'No, you're mistaking me for Ajay Devgn. Not at all.' Madhavan asked Kajol if she is the serious kind on the set, to which Kajol responded that she is ' very serious on set' and then added with a laugh that she is 'kind and humble on set.' Madhavan then asked Kajol if she has 'ever scared a director out of your kindness and humility by completely memorising all your lines and all the other characters' lines, going completely prepared and sitting there stoically and waiting for the shot?' Kajol said: 'Never would I do that to myself. I never do it to myself. If you want to scare the director, there are many other things to scare him. But, no.' The actress turned the same question to Madhavan and said: 'You are also a very, very prepared actor, as we know. I mean, you've brought a box of ladoos early in the morning to scare the director on set.' Madhavan said: 'Nobody has touched it, I know. I want to tell you that. I've to change my strategy right now, right? I'll have to change the ladoos. I'll bring barfi next time. are necessary sometimes.' Asked if he is one of those people who does not believe in a script, Madhavan said: 'The lines are written, but we'll do whatever needs to be done......' Kajol asked: 'And you don't interfere?' 'I mean, I fight a lot before reaching the set... With the director and everything. Whatever arguments, whatever takes place.' Kajol then asked: 'So, you've decided that you're going to fight with everybody before...' To which, he said: 'Yes, before and for the sake of the film. But, on the set, I've learned from Ajay sir and everybody... ...that you have to have only one director. So, put your argument vehemently. Then, I'll do whatever he says.' Indo-Asian News Service


Campaign ME
04-06-2025
- Campaign ME
How TV and video content reflect and shape societal trends
TV and video content do more than entertain – they participate in a powerful cultural feedback loop. What society values, questions, or fears often finds its way into the content we consume. In turn, that content influences public opinion, behaviour and culture. This dynamic exchange between media and society is constant and evolving, with creators and audiences shaping each other in real time. Below is a breakdown of how TV and video content both reflect and shape societal trends. Reflecting societal trends TV and video often serve as a mirror to society, revealing what we care about, what we're debating and how our identities are shifting. Real-world issues in storytelling: Contemporary storytelling often draws from real-world concerns. Documentaries and dramas address urgent issues – When They See Us explores systemic racism and police brutality, while Taare Zameen Par sheds light on mental health and learning disabilities. These stories echo public discourse and deepen social awareness. Generational trends and digital culture: The rise of YouTube, TikTok and other participatory platforms reflects a shift toward democratised media. Audiences no longer just consume content – they create it. This shift mirrors our culture's move toward individual expression, authenticity and instant connection. Shaping societal trends While content reflects society, it also actively shapes it – guiding how we think, what we value and how we behave. Setting norms and aspirations: TV shows influence cultural expectations and lifestyle choices. Sex and the City, for instance, redefined urban single life and consumer culture for an entire generation. Home renovation shows influence how people view personal space and home-ownership. Language, fashion and pop aesthetics: TV and video are major trendsetters. Catchphrases, fashion styles and makeup looks often go viral after appearing in a popular series. Shows such as Euphoria and Stranger Things have shaped youth fashion, music and visual culture across social platforms. Shaping political and social perspectives: Satirical news programmes such as The Daily Show or Last Week Tonight don't just entertain – they inform and persuade. They help frame political events for a younger, often more sceptical audience. Meanwhile, political dramas such as House of Cards influence public perception of government and leadership. Feedback loop between media and society In today's digital world, the relationship between media and society is more interactive than ever. Audiences are no longer passive viewers – they're active participants. Real-time reactions and content evolution: Social media has revolutionised how audiences respond to content. Viewer feedback – whether praise, critique, or backlash – reaches creators instantly. This immediacy has led to real-time adjustments in casting, storytelling and tone. Influence of social movements: Movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter have directly affected the media landscape. Networks and studios are rethinking representation, investing in inclusive narratives and prioritising authentic voices to reflect societal calls for justice and equality. Demand for authenticity and representation: Audiences demand content that feels real and inclusive. This push has led to diverse casts, culturally sensitive writing and collaborations with underrepresented creators. Media now responds not just to market trends, but to ethical and cultural imperatives. Media as a cultural force TV and video content are cultural artifacts and engines of change. They both document and shape the identities, ideologies and dreams of society. As digital platforms and global audiences grow, so does the speed and scale of this feedback loop. What we see on screen doesn't just reflect who we are – it helps define who we're becoming. By Prasad S. Amin, CEO, Integrated Advertising Services (IAS MEDIA)