Some of Twitch’s greatest names are going viral after suggesting they may skip TwitchCon this yr, citing security issues and rising unease about making their location public.

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In separate movies, streamers Pokimane, Valkyrae, and QT Cinderella all hinted they could sit out the annual fan conference, which can happen in San Diego this October. Their clips had been first posted on Twitch and later re-shared extensively on TikTok, the place they racked up tens of millions of views and sparked heated dialogue.

Pokimane, whose actual title is Imane Anys, stated she had seen different streamers questioning their plans and started questioning if she ought to observe go well with.

“It does worry me that it might not be safe,” she stated. Her feedback rapidly fueled debate within the replies, with some followers arguing that it is perhaps wiser for main creators to remain dwelling this yr, given latest occasions.

What are streamers saying?

Anys’s video, reposted to TikTok by person @sageclips700, famous that QT Cinderella and Valkyrae had been additionally reconsidering their attendance on the multi-day conference. Seeing them hesitate, she stated, made her second-guess her personal plans.

In her clip, Anys pointed to “tension happening online” as the principle cause for her concern, saying she’s not satisfied sufficient security measures are in place at massive occasions.

@sageclips700 Pokimane Hesitant About TwitchCon After Recent ISSUES! #pokimane #tiktok #viral #twitchcon #twitchstreamer ♬ authentic sound – SageClips

“Especially with all the recent news surrounding Charlie Kirk,” she stated, including that she’s acquired a wave of hate on-line—totally on X—that’s made her nervous about sharing her whereabouts.

“The people who feel the most negative and passionately hateful toward us have a lot of overlap,” she stated, referring to customers throughout each Twitch and X. Anys added that seeing spikes in harassment on-line could make creators query whether or not it’s value revealing precisely the place they’ll be in individual.

Meanwhile, on their Wine About It podcast, QT Cinderella and Valkyrae echoed these issues. QT stated she’d already warned TwitchCon organizers that they had been in “panic mode,” although neither she nor Valkyrae had made a last determination about attending.

@wineaboutitpodcast We would possibly skip Twitchcon this yr.. #podcast #twitch #valkyrae #qtcinderella #wineaboutit ♬ authentic sound – Wine About It

Managing mass taking pictures anxieties

Fear of mass shootings at massive occasions is a standard response—particularly after a tragedy, such because the latest murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, or when protection feels nonstop. The headlines will be overwhelming, however specialists stress that these assaults stay statistically uncommon.

Balancing consciousness with perspective is vital. Feeling anxious doesn’t imply it’s a must to skip large occasions altogether, however there are methods to handle your fears when the information cycle feels limitless.

One of essentially the most simple steps is to restrict media publicity. Constant updates and graphic protection could make anxiousness worse, so take breaks from social media and follow dependable sources if you do examine in.

Focusing on what you’ll be able to management may assist. Some folks discover it grounding to assist teams that work on gun security or write to their representatives. Keeping perspective issues too—specialists be aware your danger of being concerned in a mass taking pictures is way decrease than being in a automobile accident and even being struck by lightning.

There are additionally sensible security steps you’ll be able to take. Get within the behavior of recognizing exits as quickly as you arrive, maintain your cellphone charged and shut, and share your plans with somebody you belief. Trust your instincts—if one thing feels off, depart. If a crowd begins to really feel too dense or chaotic, transfer to a safer spot or step outdoors till it settles. Attending occasions with a good friend can add one other layer of reassurance and assist.

Viewers encourage streamers to prioritize security

Commenters who watched the repost of Anys’s video largely stated they understood her concern, particularly in mild of latest occasions.

“All it takes is one weirdo,” one viewer stated.

“Y’all don’t understand her stalkers,” one other added. “They are unhinged and relentless. She doesn’t talk about them much, but the times she does, it’s crazy. Copycats always come out after big events.”

Viewers who noticed the podcast clip the place QT Cinderella and Valkyrae voiced related worries additionally stated the concern was justified.

“I don’t blame you at all,” the top-liked remark below their video learn.

“Women have a sixth sense about these things,” one other wrote. “We gotta listen to ourselves.”

“If you have doubts, trust your instincts, don’t go,” a 3rd individual stated.

Many who observe the Wine About It podcast reassured the streamers that followers would perceive in the event that they determined to skip this yr’s conference.

“Totally understandable. I’m scared of going into public spaces with many people, and I’m not a public figure,” one viewer stated.

“Ladies, none of your fans would blame you, I think it’s very sensible,” one other wrote. “Do what you have to do to protect your peace and yourself.”

“PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE skip it!! We are scared too!” a 3rd fan wrote. “We want to be safe, but more importantly, WE WANT YOU TO BE SAFE!! It’s not worth the risk! Please stay safe, loves.”

The Daily Dot has reached out to the creators of the Wine About It podcast by way of TikTok direct message.

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