Recent research explores the beliefs and social norms surrounding cheating and weight doping that challenge virtual cycling and esports.
Perception is a powerful thing. It isn’t really reality, but it can influence our attitudes and guide our behaviors. Social Norms Theory posits that perceptions of how others in their community think and act significantly influence an individual’s behavior.
In the context of cycling esports, this theory suggests that if cyclists believe e-doping is common or accepted in their community, they may be more inclined to engage in or condone the behavior. This phenomenon can create a cycle where the misperception of behavior as ‘normal’ or ‘widespread’ perpetuates its occurrence.
The actualization of concerns about cheating in virtual cycling has raised questions about why such deceptions occur and how participants feel about them. While cheating motives may be similar to those in traditional sports, where athletes use performance-enhancing drugs or engage in self-deception, the unique nature of esports allows participants to remain relatively anonymous, represented by avatars that may not reflect their true selves.
This anonymity can influence others positively or negatively in the virtual environment. However, research in this specific type of esport is still in its early stages and has not thoroughly explored avatar behavior. Recent research aims to investigate current users’ perspectives and attitudes towards their virtual avatars on virtual cycling platforms, shedding light on motivations for avatar manipulation and providing insights for athletes, sports governance, and platform developers.
Exploring the Perception of Cheating in the Virtual Cycling Community
“We believe our findings relate to the experiences of all community members, from the typical e-cyclist to the elite e-racer who uses the platform, especially when discussing what the community wants regarding bans for cheaters when caught,” says Dr. Andrew Richardson, co-author of the October 2023 study Perceptions of Cheating and Doping in E-Cycling.
The researchers questioned 1,467 cyclists (1,130 men and 337 women), using a cross-sectional descriptive study design analyzing the responses to an online virtual cycling-specific survey.
“We were pleased to see that overall, irrespective of the level of the cyclists that participated in the study, they did not want cheaters at any level competing,” added Richardson.
The study provides a comprehensive look into virtual cycling participants’ experiences and attitudes towards cheating and doping. Richardson and his fellow researchers aimed to assess if cyclists have experienced cheating in online racing and real-world competition and understand their perceptions of these behaviors.
In addition to investigating gender-related differences in views regarding cheating, doping, and anti-doping measures in virtual cycling, they also compared perceptions of cheating in virtual and traditional cycling. In addition, they evaluated the adoption of similar policies and penalties for cheating and doping.
The Virtual Cycling Community's Experience
The study’s results revealed that a majority of 44% of the participants reported experiencing cheating during a virtual cycling competition (40% did not, and 4% didn’t race). In contrast, 15% reported experiencing cheating in real-world competition. 51% reported feeling angry or annoyed by the perception of experiencing cheating.
An overwhelming majority (over 87%) favored imposing bans on cheating offenders in online competition.
“However, what is interesting is they do not want these bans to translate to the traditional in-person cycling or be of the same significance,” notes Richardson.
The researchers didn’t ask whether real-world bans should apply to virtual racing. However, virtual platforms Zwift and MyWhoosh banned elite esports racer Luca Zanasca following a failed out-of-competition drug test in October 2023.
Despite the predominant perception of cheating in online competition, the vast majority (87% of males and 91% of females) reported accurately inputting their height and weight. In comparison, only 4% of men and women admitted to altering their weight.
Exploring the Ethical Landscape of Virtual Cycling
The finding contradicts the virtual cycling community’s belief that height and weight manipulation are the most common cheating mechanisms, causing most speculation and accusations. It doesn’t add up. More questions need to be asked and answered.
“I would argue that some online cycling platforms have been slow (intentionally or otherwise) to address the issues surrounding weight or height data manipulation. The purpose of this research is to draw attention to this to try and better understand from the user’s perceptions of what they think is going on and determine their behavior and what they feel is appropriate.,” stated Dr. Bryce Dyer, co-author of the December 2023 paper An Investigation Into the Attitudes of Virtual Cycling Participants Regarding Avatar Bodyweight Manipulation and Weight Doping.
The study utilized a virtual cycling-oriented adaptation of the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS) as the basis of its questionnaire design. The researchers analyzed the responses from 638 surveys (542 males and 89 females).
“We wanted to use well-validated methods from other technologies, such as performance-enhancing drugs, to add structure and rigor when measuring the perceptions and explore people’s relationship with their avatar,” explains Dyer.
The Nuanced View of Weight Doping
This digital equivalent of traditional doping in physical sports has sparked a significant debate in the virtual cycling community, reflecting the intricate interplay of fairness, competition, and integrity in virtual sports. The article delves into the perceived heart of this issue, exploring community attitudes, ethical implications, motivations behind such practices, and the influence of social norms.
The results highlighted the virtual cycling community’s nuanced views on weight manipulation. Despite recognizing weight e-doping as an inevitable aspect of virtual cycling, most disapprove of intentional avatar weight manipulation. Respondents generally disagree with the necessity of weight manipulation for competitiveness while acknowledging its performance advantages.
Participants in the study reported that they do not experience pressure to modify their avatar’s weight, which differs from the coercion seen in other sports technologies. They equate avatar weight manipulation with traditional doping and consider it unethical. The study also explores potential psychological impacts, including feelings of guilt associated with such practices.
The Role of Anonymity and Social Norms in Online Competition
Two prevailing themes emerged when the researchers analyzed the data—anonymity and social norms. The veil of anonymity in virtual sports is a double-edged sword. It offers comfort and privacy but can foster a sense of detachment from traditional ethical standards. This detachment might lead some individuals to engage in practices they would otherwise avoid in physical competitions, where their identity and actions are more transparent and accountable.
The qualitative analysis of the study reveals two distinct perspectives within the virtual cycling community regarding social norms related to weight e-doping. On the one hand, some respondents perceive weight e-doping as a normalized practice within the community. They argue that it is common, does not cause physical harm, and carries a low risk of detection. This perspective aligns with the social norms theory, suggesting that the perceived prevalence of weight doping may encourage its acceptance.
Conversely, another group of respondents strongly opposes weight e-doping and reacts with strong negative emotions. They consider it immoral, dishonest, and equivalent to cheating with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). This opposition reflects a contrasting social norm within the community, emphasizing ethical conduct and integrity as core values.
These findings highlight the complex interplay of social norms and attitudes surrounding weight e-doping in virtual cycling, providing valuable insights into the community’s divergent perspectives on this issue.
“We found that despite being seemingly a digital (and therefore an arguably detached relationship), the majority of people still feel very strongly about the ethical conduct of others when riding online that is broadly in line with what we see in sports grounded in reality,” says Dyer.
Understanding the Community's Stance on Cheating in Virtual Cycling
Understanding the differing perspectives on weight e-doping is paramount for virtual cycling platforms and governing bodies. The parties can employ several strategies to address the issue effectively by leveraging the insights gained from these perspectives and applying social norms theory.
Firstly, they could develop initiatives to correct misperceptions surrounding weight e-doping. By providing accurate information about its prevalence, platforms and governing bodies may reduce the occurrence of weight doping by dispelling any misconceptions.
Secondly, promoting positive behaviors within the virtual cycling community can be highly effective. Encouraging stories and examples of fair play and integrity can help establish a community norm that values ethical behavior, thus discouraging weight e-doping.
Lastly, fostering open dialogue and discussions about the ethics of virtual cycling is essential. By providing platforms for community members to engage in conversations about the topic, standards and expectations can be aligned, promoting a culture of honesty and fair competition within the virtual cycling community. Collectively, these strategies contribute to addressing weight e-doping and upholding the integrity of virtual cycling.
“If nothing else,” sums Dyer, “if the sport wishes to be credible, we need to understand it as much as possible, and I believe right now that we’re merely at the start of understanding this digital domain.”
Moving Forward: Ethical Considerations and Strategies For Cheating and Weight Doping in Virtual Cycling
The findings underscore the need for clear communication and defined sanctions against weight doping in virtual cycling. It’s not just about establishing rules but also about fostering a culture of integrity. Understanding the motivations behind cheating, including the role of anonymity, virtual cycling platforms, and communities, can develop more effective strategies to combat unethical practices.
As virtual cycling grows, navigating the ethical landscape becomes increasingly crucial. Understanding the community’s stance on weight e-doping, acknowledging the role of anonymity, and addressing the underlying motivations for cheating are critical steps in maintaining the integrity and spirit of fair competition in this exciting digital sports frontier.
“The reality is that while data can be more specific or definitive in nature, human behavior isn’t always logical, straightforward, or even predictable in that same way,” explains Dyer.
When you ask traditional cyclists to describe their belief in virtual cycling, you will hear that it is unreal competition predominated by cheaters. The accusatory comments by cycling esports community members and fellow competitors paint a picture of a culture divided against itself. It is their reality and arguably the most potent challenge facing the sport.
When virtual cycling platforms neglect to prioritize robust and systematic anti-cheating protocols or lack the motivation to identify and penalize cheaters, it taints the sport’s reputation. The burden falls squarely on the shoulders of the platforms. It did the damage, and now the sport must play catch-up to change the perception.
As noted in a 2021 review published in the International Journal of Esports by Richardson and his colleagues and featured in Cycling News, the limitations in policies and a lackadaisical approach to anti-cheating culture on these platforms ultimately fall short of creating a perception of honesty and fair play, as well as ensuring fairness and integrity in all cycling esports events. It’s a challenging issue that requires attention and improvement within the virtual cycling community.
“If properly investigated,” emphasizes Dyer, “perception is as credible and robust as any other form of data.”
Until we change the perception of virtual cycling and esports, it will always be just that: a bunch of weight dopers and cheaters. That’s the reality!
Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
