The Psychology of Trolling: Unmasking the Digital Aggressor

In an era where digital interaction increasingly shapes our social landscape, the phenomenon of online trolling has surged to concerning levels within the United Kingdom and beyond. Recent data from the Law Commission UK (2018) reveals that approximately 1% of internet users in the UK report having been subjected to trolling within the past year, rising to 5% among those aged 16-24. While these numbers may appear modest, the profound psychological consequences of such experiences demand urgent academic scrutiny. To combat this modern form of aggression, it is crucial to explore the psychological profile of those who engage in trolling, investigate the motivations underpinning their behaviour, and re-evaluate the societal perception that trolling is a lesser form of harm compared to physical abuse.

Defining Trolling: Malice or Mischief?

A troll is traditionally defined as an individual who deliberately incites conflict, hostility, or distress through provocative and antagonistic online behaviour. While some instances of trolling may be rooted in a desire to entertain or amuse, scholarly inquiry predominantly classifies trolling as a malevolent act aimed at causing harm. The deliberate nature of this behaviour differentiates it from impulsive outbursts or misunderstandings, positioning it as a calculated and sustained effort to disrupt the emotional well-being of others.

The Consequences of Trolling: Psychological and Social Ramifications

The harmful repercussions of trolling are well-documented. Victims frequently endure lowered self-esteem, depression, anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, and, in extreme cases, self-harm and suicidal ideation. A comprehensive 2017 Ofcom report on adult media use and attitudes substantiates the prevalence of this phenomenon, employing data from 1,846 adults and an additional 3,743 respondents via the Technology Tracker. The findings suggest that while 1% of internet users overall reported trolling victimisation, the figure rises notably among younger demographics. International research echoes these trends, with studies estimating rates of cyberbullying as high as 31.4% and cyber victimisation between 24.6% and 30.2%. These statistics underscore the necessity of understanding the psychological underpinnings of trolling behaviour to inform both prevention and intervention strategies.

Profiling the Troll: A Psychological Inquiry

Efforts to delineate the psychological characteristics of trolls have largely converged on two dominant perspectives. The first approach situates trolling behavior within the framework of the Five-Factor Model of personality, examining traits such as conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, openness to experience, and extraversion (Gylfason, Sveinsdottir, Vésteinsdóttir, & Sigurvinsdottir, 2021). Findings suggest that trolls typically score lower on agreeableness and conscientiousness, reflecting an antisocial disposition.

The second and arguably more compelling approach investigates the association between trolling and the so-called 'Dark Triad' of personality traits — Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy (Paulhus & Williams, 2002; Jones & Paulhus, 2011, 2014). Emerging research expands this triad into a 'Dark Tetrad' with the inclusion of sadism (Vaillancourt & Arnocky, 2019). Sadism, defined as deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, has garnered considerable empirical support as a key predictor of trolling behaviour. Notably, individuals exhibiting high levels of sadism coupled with high self-esteem appear particularly predisposed to engage in trolling. This synergy suggests that trolls may experience a perverse sense of gratification and self-enhancement through their harmful actions.

Addressing Trolling: Practical and Policy Implications

The insights gleaned from psychological profiling hold significant implications for managing and mitigating trolling behaviour. Recognising that trolls often possess callous, psychopathic traits and a diminished capacity for empathy — encapsulated by a low 'Violence Inhibition Mechanism' (VIM) — underscores the importance of tailored intervention strategies. The following guidelines aim to empower individuals and institutions in responding to online trolling:

1. Avoid Immediate Emotional Reactions: Refrain from retaliating in anger or frustration, as this response fuels the troll’s sense of achievement.
2. Seek Psychological Support: Address the emotional toll of trolling by consulting mental health professionals or support networks.
3. Resist Engagement: Refusing to respond to trolls deprives them of the gratification they seek — engagement sustains their behaviour.
4. Document Incidents: Maintain a detailed record of the trolling events, which may serve as evidence in reporting the abuse.
5. Report and Escalate: Notify social media platforms of the abuse and, where appropriate, involve law enforcement by contacting 101.
6. Educate and Advocate: Promote awareness of the psychological harms associated with trolling, challenging the outdated perception that online abuse is inconsequential.

The forthcoming Online Safety Bill offers a promising legislative framework to address digital abuse, marking an essential step toward ensuring online environments are safer and more accountable.

Conclusion: Reframing Trolling as a Serious Social Issue

In sum, the characterisation of trolling as a benign or humorous online activity must be fundamentally re-examined. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that trolling constitutes a form of psychological aggression, wielded by individuals who exhibit pronounced antisocial and sadistic tendencies. By advancing our understanding of the psychological drivers of trolling, we can foster more compassionate, informed, and resilient digital communities. As society continues to navigate the complexities of online interaction, recognising the profound human cost of trolling — and treating it as a legitimate form of abuse — is imperative for safeguarding mental health and social cohesion

References

Davis, A. C., Visser, B. A., Volk, A. A., Vaillancourt, T., & Arnocky, S. (2019). The relations between life history strategy and dark personality traits among young adults. Evolutionary Psychological Science, 5(2), 166-177.

Gylfason, H. F., Sveinsdottir, A. H., Vésteinsdóttir, V., & Sigurvinsdottir, R. (2021). Haters Gonna Hate, Trolls Gonna Troll: The Personality Profile of a Facebook Troll. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(11),

Jones, D. N., & Paulhus, D. L. (2014). Introducing the short dark triad (SD3) a brief measure of dark personality traits. Assessment, 21(1), 28-41.

Law Commission (UK), Abusive and Offensive Online Communications: A Scoping Report, November 2018, available at: https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/lawcom-prod-storage- 11jsxou24uy7q/uploads/2018/10/6_5039_LC_Online_Comms_Report_FINAL_291018_WEB.pdf

Paulhus, D. L., & Jones, D. N. (2015). Measures of dark personalities. In Measures of personality and social psychological constructs (pp. 562-594). Academic Press.

Disclaimer: The content generated on this blog is for information purposes only. This Article gives the views and opinions of the authors.

Dr Michelle Hunter-Hill is a Chartered Psychologist, Behavioural Scientist and Coach who specialises in advising on trolling, and the psychological safety of workers/contributors in various occupational settings (offices, remote-working, on screen, on track/field/pitch). Dr Hunter-Hill creates psychometric profiles (assessments) of trolls/digital bullies, and deviant types such as narcissistic leaders, extreme risk takers and more. Dr Hunter-Hill runs the Issues@Work Clinic, and The Psychometrics Cafe’. Dr Hunter-Hill is Director of the MSc Occupational and Business Psychology programme at University of Roehampton.

Understanding Online Trolling: Psychological Profiles, Impact, and Strategies for Mitigation

In an era where digital engagement has become an integral part of everyday life, online trolling has emerged as a pervasive and harmful phenomenon. Far from the whimsical folklore of trolls lurking beneath bridges, contemporary internet trolls occupy social media platforms with the intention of inciting conflict, spreading hostility, and inflicting psychological harm on their victims (Forbes, 2020). This behaviour, fuelled by anonymity and a lack of accountability, warrants an in-depth analysis of the psychological makeup of trolls, the impact on their victims, and the necessary systemic responses to mitigate the consequences of such behaviour.

The Anatomy of a Troll: Unveiling the Dark Tetrad

Extensive research into the personality traits of trolls consistently reveals a disturbing psychological profile. Predominantly, trolls exhibit characteristics aligned with the “Dark Tetrad” — a cluster of malevolent traits comprising narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism (Paulhus & Williams, 2002; Jones & Paulhus, 2011; Vaillancourt & Arnocky, 2019). Narcissism fuels a sense of superiority and entitlement, Machiavellianism underpins manipulative and deceitful behaviour, psychopathy drives callousness and lack of empathy, while sadism — perhaps the most telling trait — denotes deriving pleasure from the suffering of others.

Crucially, recent studies (Vaillancourt & Arnocky, 2019) suggest that sadism, when paired with high self-esteem, creates an amplified propensity for trolling behaviour. This contradicts the common assumption that low self-esteem underpins bullying tendencies; rather, trolls with a sadistic inclination and inflated self-worth find gratification in witnessing the emotional pain they cause.

The Psychological Toll: Varied Victim Responses

The impact of trolling on victims is complex and multifaceted. While some individuals exhibit resilience, many experience profound psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and feelings of helplessness. The insidious nature of online bullying — often persistent and boundary-less — compounds this harm. Unlike in-person bullying, digital harassment can infiltrate victims' personal spaces at any time, creating a perpetual sense of vulnerability and fear.

Moreover, the anonymity afforded to trolls heightens their power. Shielded by pseudonyms and fake profiles, trolls evade accountability, rendering victims powerless to identify or confront their aggressors. This anonymity fosters the 'online disinhibition effect' — a psychological phenomenon wherein individuals feel emboldened to act in ways they would avoid in face-to-face interactions, driven by a perceived detachment from their actions and consequences (Suler, 2004).

Systemic Accountability: The Role of Platforms and Legislation

While victims are frequently advised to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of trolling, this places undue responsibility on those already suffering. The systemic failure of social media platforms to prevent and penalise trolling exacerbates the issue. The recently proposed Online Safety Bill represents a pivotal attempt to hold technology companies accountable, imposing a legal duty of care to protect users from harmful content — a move monitored by Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator. However, the efficacy of such legislation remains to be seen, and enforcement will be crucial in determining its success.

Strategic Responses: Empowering Individuals and Organisations

In addition to systemic changes, individuals and organisations must be equipped with practical strategies to counter trolling behaviour:

1. Refrain from Engaging: Engaging with trolls reinforces their behaviour. Withholding emotional responses deprives them of the satisfaction they seek.
2. Seek Support: Victims benefit from social support networks, whether through friends, family, or professional counselling.
3. Document and Report: Keeping a record of trolling incidents aids in reporting to social media platforms and law enforcement.
4. Resilience Training: Organisations can foster resilience among their members through psychological fitness assessments, coaching, and tailored aftercare services.
5. Promote Awareness: Organisations must recognise trolling as a legitimate mental health threat and implement educational campaigns to de-stigmatise victimisation and encourage reporting.

Conclusion: Reframing Trolling as a Public Mental Health Concern

The rise of online trolling underscores a critical need to dismantle the narrative that digital abuse is trivial or inconsequential. By leveraging psychological research, promoting systemic accountability, and empowering individuals with effective coping mechanisms, society can work toward reducing the prevalence of trolling and mitigating its psychological toll. A collective, multi-layered approach — spanning individuals, organisations, technology platforms, and legislation — is essential to fostering safer, more compassionate digital environments.

The onus should no longer rest solely on victims to endure or resist trolling; rather, the digital community as a whole must acknowledge and confront this destructive behaviour with empathy, resilience, and accountability.

Disclaimer: The content generated on this blog is for information purposes only. This Article gives the views and opinions of the authors.

Dr Michelle Hunter-Hill is a Chartered Psychologist, Behavioural Scientist and Coach who specialises in advising on trolling, and the psychological safety of workers/contributors in various occupational settings (offices, remote-working, on screen, on track/field/pitch). Dr Hunter-Hill creates psychometric profiles (assessments) of trolls/digital bullies, and deviant types such as narcissistic leaders, extreme risk takers and more. Dr Hunter-Hill runs the Issues@Work Clinic, and The Psychometrics Cafe’. Dr Hunter-Hill is Director of the MSc Occupational and Business Psychology programme at University of Roehampton.