Crash Override

How Gamergate (Nearly) Destroyed My Life, and How We Can Win the Fight Against Online Hate

By: Zoë Quinn

Narrated by: Zoë Quinn

Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Hugo Award (Best Related Work) nominee, 2018

You've heard the stories about the dark side of the internet—hackers, #gamergate, anonymous mobs attacking an unlucky victim, and revenge porn—but they remain just that: Stories. Surely these things would never happen to you.

Zoe Quinn used to feel the same way. She is a video game developer whose ex-boyfriend published a crazed blog post cobbled together from private information, half-truths, and outright fictions, along with a rallying cry to the online hordes to go after her. They answered in the form of a so-called movement known as #gamergate—they hacked her accounts; stole nude photos of her; harassed her family, friends, and colleagues; and threatened to rape and murder her. But instead of shrinking into silence as the online mobs wanted her to, she raised her voice and spoke out against this vicious online culture and for making the internet a safer place for everyone.

In the years since #gamergate, Quinn has helped thousands of people with her advocacy and online-abuse crisis resource Crash Override Network. From locking down victims' personal accounts to working with tech companies and lawmakers to inform policy, she has firsthand knowledge about every angle of online abuse, what powerful institutions are (and aren't) doing about it, and how we can protect our digital spaces and selves.

Crash Override offers an up-close look inside the controversy, threats, and social and cultural battles that started in the far corners of the internet and have since permeated our online lives. Through her story—as target and as activist—Quinn provides a human look at the ways the internet impacts our lives and culture, along with practical advice for keeping yourself and others safe online.

©2017 Zoe Quinn (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"A worthwhile read for anyone interested in taking action against the realities—and devastating effects—of extreme Internet trolling...an informative and inspiring book." (Kirkus Reviews)

"I tore through this book. Zoe Quinn doesn't just present a clear-eyed examination of the Internet's endemic sickness (though she does that beautifully), she contextualizes her personal nightmare within our current national one. It's a gripping read with historical merit." (Lindy West, author of Shrill)

"We finally have a chance to hear what we've been eagerly awaiting: Zoe's real story in her own words. If you've been harassed, depressed, lonely, or lost, her story will inspire and empower you. After all of it, she still finds a way to be optimistic and a force for positive change. She gives me hope for humanity and the future of technology." (Ellen Pao, former CEO of Reddit, cofounder of Project Include)

Informative and great listen

Took me awhile to get through, but I'm didn't start this being into audiobooks. Along with all the knowledge provided, makes me want to learn even more. Also, jealous of those with physical copies now...

Essential reading for understanding abuse

This book is essential if you wish to understand the spread of abuse and hatred on the internet, and what you can do to help. (And sometimes, what we can't or shouldn't do.) Is tough, and sometimes depressing, but not without hope.

Incredibly human

A human account of fallibility, accountability, and healing. It details the real and tangible abuse of people and systems by humans who often act with good intentions. Quinn takes the hard approach of looking past the real fallible people and pointing fingers at the systems and the rotten few who enable the kinds of internet harassment that Quinn and so many others have had to endure. She takes the time to give voice to marginalized groups as well. Finally, she lays the groundwork for a real and effective human-centric response to a problem that can seem insurmountable. Very cool.

Just what I wanted

At last we get Zoe Quinn's own story in full without any distractions, paired with very good and important advice on how to fight back online abuse, and how we can help heal the damage it has caused. Good stuff.

Engaging book about an important issue

This is a well written book covering a topic that should be of concern to everyone. Quinn has a good voice and narrates her own story well, using language that is informative while also being accessible. Even for someone like me, who was relatively familiar with the major events involved, there was a lot of new information and ideas, including practical advice for how to better secure your privacy online.

Practical, but Heartfelt

I was immediately drawn in to this book. I was vaguely familiar with the situation she went through. She tells the story without ever seeming like she is looking for sympathy. We see the human toll. We are shown the systems through which abusers operate and how companies and institutions are failing us on so many levels. Her call to action is very compelling. She does well in identifying problems and solutions. She also acknowledges that this book has limitations in that it only covers western culture and English speaking areas. I appreciate that she highlighted the forms of abuse received by people from marginalized groups outside of her own experience.

I wish her the best. I hope she can successfully pursue her career in game dev.

Thanks for sharing

The internet described is the internet I know from growing up online in the 90s. It feels so healing to have one book (more would be better) with someone being honest and informed . Thanks Zoe please keep making games and being hyouman

Excellent book - listen to this

This is an expert blend of memoir, commentary, and advice. I enjoyed it in all three respects and it’s hard to pull off all three areas. The writing and narration are brilliant. Really really looking forward to the chuck tingle game when it comes out!

Take a look

Such a well organized, researched, and thoughtful book. A truly amazing glimpse into this world. Lots to think about and discuss. Very well balanced. Highly recommend.

Crash override

Interesting and engaging book presented well by the author. Alarming information about how users of the internet are vulnerable to personal attacks. Good suggestions on possible protections.