Internet Trolls: Motivations and Dealings
Jan 15, 2025
By: Hedayat Oladunni, Seasonal PR Intern | Digital4Good
What is a Troll?
According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Troll behavior is “Attacking or criticizing something you’ve posted, praised, or agreed with, Posting personal insults meant to humiliate you in front of others They thrive in online environments, such as social media platforms, forums, and comment sections, where anonymity can embolden their behavior. Their actions can create a toxic atmosphere, leading to conflict and distress within online communities. The impact of trolling can be significant, causing emotional distress and anxiety and potentially harming the mental health and self-esteem of those targeted.
Understanding Trolls
Psychological Drivers
When it comes to understanding a Troll’s behavior most people chock it up to they are just bored. Trolls thrive in creating chaos and disrupting conversations, often leading to heated exchanges or emotional reactions from others.” These behaviors stem from the emotional state and context of the discussion. Anyone can be a troll. Well-intentioned comments could come across as rude and unnecessary. However, some are particularly hateful characters who try to spread malicious behavior, including psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism, and sadism.
Trolling behavior often stems from psychological drivers like a desire for attention, feelings of power, and a lack of empathy. Dr. Gareth Tyson, an assistant professor at Hong Kong university of science and technology, highlights that low barriers and appealing online incentives shape the motivations for trolling.
Online Disinhibition Effect
The ease of anonymity and limited content moderation allow people to act in ways they wouldn’t in person, a phenomenon known as the online disinhibition effect. Additionally, the incentives to troll online mirror real-world bullying motivations, like insecurities or personal frustrations, which lead some to lash out. The vast scale of the internet exacerbates this behavior; a troll who might get minimal feedback in real life can find widespread support or validation online.
Features like upvotes and downvotes can further encourage extreme comments, creating a cycle where individuals escalate their trolling to seek higher levels of approval. The motivations behind trolling can vary widely, driven by feelings of sadness, anger, jealousy, or a simple desire to be mean, with methods and intentions that can range from relatively harmless to overtly sadistic
How to Deal with a Troll
Do Not Engage
Avoid responding to trolls, as engagement often fuels their behavior.
Report and Block
If trolling escalates, report their actions to the appropriate platform and use blocking features to prevent further interactions.
Emotional Resilience
Remember that trolls seek validation through negative attention. Don't take their actions seriously, as they often reflect their insecurities.
Collect Evidence
Keep records of trolling behavior, such as screenshots, in case you need to report them.
Seek Support
Talk to someone you trust about your experiences to process the situation and alleviate feelings of isolation.
Conclusion
The anonymity of the internet makes it easy for trolls to gain attention, but recognizing their tactics empowers individuals and communities to respond strategically. By avoiding engagement, blocking offenders, and sharing experiences, we can minimize the impact of trolling and create safer online spaces. Addressing trolling behavior helps protect mental health and promotes a positive online environment.
To learn more about online topics like this one visit our website, Instagram, or TikTok.
Resources
https://socialmediahub.mit.edu/blog/dealing-trolling-update-2023
https://powerof0.org/how-trolls-are-born/
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