Researchers at the City University of Hong Kong recently conducted a study that shed light on the vicious cycle of online trolling and found that victims of trolling are more likely to become perpetrators themselves. The study, which involved over 600 participants from China, provides significant insights into the motivations and psychological mechanisms driving reactive trolling behaviours. The findings were published in the journal Social Science Computer Review.
Online trolling, a type of antisocial behavior that involves making provocative or offensive comments in an effort to elicit emotional responses, has become a major problem across all digital platforms. The study highlights a concerning trend: individuals who experience trolling are more likely to engage in reactive trolling as a form of retaliation.
Drawing on the general aggression model (GAM), the researchers explored how trolling victimisation leads to reactive trolling. They found that the experience of being trolled triggers a psychological response, often driven by motivations of revenge and the desire for social recognition. These motivations, in turn, lead to aggressive online behaviours, creating a cycle of victimisation and perpetration.
The study identified two key motivations that mediate the relationship between trolling victimisation and reactive trolling: revenge and social recognition. Revenge, as an internal motivation, stems from the victim’s desire to retaliate against those who have wronged them. On the other hand, the need to rebuild one’s damaged self-esteem and regain social standing drives social recognition, which is an external motivation.
Participants who reported higher levels of online disinhibition – feeling less restrained and more willing to engage in aggressive behaviour online—were particularly prone to reactive trolling. This phenomenon, where individuals feel liberated by the anonymity and lack of consequences in digital spaces, exacerbates the cycle of trolling.
The findings of this study have significant implications for understanding the dynamics of online behaviour and its impact on mental health. Trolling, often dismissed as harmless internet banter, can lead to severe psychological consequences for both victims and perpetrators. Victims of trolling are not only subjected to emotional distress but also face the risk of becoming trolls themselves, perpetuating a cycle of online aggression.
The study suggests that online platforms need to take a more proactive approach in addressing trolling behaviours. By understanding the psychological mechanisms that drive reactive trolling, platforms can develop better strategies to support victims and prevent them from becoming perpetrators. This includes implementing more effective reporting and moderation systems, as well as offering resources for mental health support.
One of the study’s key findings is the role of online disinhibition in exacerbating trolling behaviours. The sense of anonymity and the perception that online actions have no real-world consequences contribute to the escalation of trolling. Due to the conviction that they can act without suffering consequences, people with high levels of online disinhibition are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior.
This finding underscores the need for educational initiatives aimed at promoting responsible online behaviour. By raising awareness of the consequences of online disinhibition and encouraging empathy in digital interactions, it may be possible to reduce the prevalence of reactive trolling.
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