Internet trolls are a familiar sight on platforms like Twitter, forums, and YouTube comments. But who are these individuals, and what do they look like when viewed through a scientific lens? While many people enjoy engaging in online discussions, about 5.6% of internet users identify themselves as trolls or admit to enjoying trolling. Researchers have studied a group of 1,000 internet users to understand these trolls better and discovered that they often exhibit traits linked to the “Dark Triad” of personality traits. Specifically, online trolls tend to show high levels of psychopathy, narcissism, and, most prominently, sadism, which means they find pleasure in the suffering of others.
Most people typically avoid causing pain to others and feel guilt or remorse if they do. However, sadists find cruelty exciting and pleasurable. It’s crucial to understand that these individuals aren’t necessarily serial killers or inherently “bad” people; they simply experience an emotional reward when causing or witnessing others’ suffering. There’s even a concept called “everyday sadism,” which suggests that sadistic traits can be present in many individuals, not just in sexual deviants or criminals. For instance, many people enjoy the excitement of a competitive sports game or the thrill of a violent movie.
Studies have shown that individuals who choose to kill bugs in hypothetical job scenarios tend to score higher on measures of sadistic impulses. Internet trolls, in particular, exhibit very high levels of sadism and enjoy distressing others by being argumentative and disruptive. Research has also documented a link between these individuals and antisocial behavior.
Are these individuals different in real life? Probably not. Studies suggest that these traits carry over into their everyday lives and reflect their actual personalities. The anonymity of the internet allows antisocial individuals to connect with like-minded people while distancing themselves from personal responsibility for their actions. Unfortunately, trolls not only comment more frequently but also receive more replies than the average user, indicating they are quite successful at drawing others in. Additionally, negative feedback tends to provoke harsher responses from trolls, leading to an escalation in their behavior over time.
So, the next time you encounter a troll, remember that they aim to disrupt you and thrive on your unhappiness. Ignoring them may help diminish their efforts.
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Engage in a structured debate where you take on the role of an internet troll. Use the “Dark Triad” traits to guide your arguments. This will help you understand the motivations behind trolling behavior and the impact it has on online discussions.
Analyze real-life examples of trolling incidents. Identify the traits of sadism, narcissism, and psychopathy in these cases. Discuss in groups how these traits manifest in online interactions and their real-life implications.
Participate in a workshop where you take personality assessments to explore the “Dark Triad” traits. Reflect on your results and discuss how understanding these traits can help in recognizing and dealing with trolls.
Conduct a small research project on everyday sadism. Survey peers about their enjoyment of competitive sports or violent media. Analyze the data to see if there are correlations with sadistic traits and discuss your findings in class.
Simulate an online community where you can observe and interact with troll-like behavior. Reflect on how anonymity affects behavior and discuss strategies for mitigating the negative impact of trolls in online spaces.
**Sanitized Transcript:**
Internet trolls, whether on Twitter, forums, or YouTube comments, are a common presence online. But who are these individuals, and what do they look like when evaluated scientifically? While many people enjoy chatting and debating issues online, approximately 5.6% self-identify as trolls or say they enjoy trolling. Scientists studied a group of 1,000 internet users to understand these trolls and found that they often exhibit traits associated with what is known as “Dark Triad” personality traits. Specifically, online trolls tend to display high levels of psychopathy, narcissism, and, most notably, sadism—meaning they derive pleasure from the pain of others.
Most people typically avoid inflicting pain on others and feel guilt or remorse if they do. However, for sadists, cruelty can be exciting and pleasurable. It’s important to note that these individuals aren’t necessarily serial killers or inherently “bad” people; they simply experience an emotional reward when causing or witnessing the suffering of others. There is even a category called “everyday sadism,” which highlights that sadistic traits can be present in many individuals, not just in sexual deviants or criminals. For example, many people enjoy the excitement of a competitive sports game or the thrill of a violent movie.
Studies have shown that individuals who choose to kill bugs in hypothetical job scenarios tend to score higher on measures of sadistic impulses. Internet trolls, in particular, exhibit very high levels of sadism and enjoy distressing others by being argumentative and disruptive. Research has also documented a link between these individuals and antisocial behavior.
Are these individuals different in real life? Not likely. Studies suggest that these traits carry over into their everyday lives and reflect their actual personalities. The anonymity of the internet allows antisocial individuals to connect with like-minded people while distancing themselves from personal responsibility for their actions. Unfortunately, trolls not only comment more frequently but also receive more replies than the average user, indicating they are quite successful at drawing others in. Additionally, negative feedback tends to provoke harsher responses from trolls, leading to an escalation in their behavior over time.
So, the next time you encounter a troll, remember that they aim to disrupt you and thrive on your unhappiness. Ignoring them may help diminish their efforts.
For more scientific content, check out our playlist of the latest videos. If you want to stay updated, visit our channel on your device’s YouTube app and hit the notification bell to receive alerts for new videos. Subscribe for more weekly science content!
Trolls – Individuals who intentionally provoke or upset others online by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in a digital community. – In the study of online behavior, researchers found that trolls often derive pleasure from disrupting conversations and causing emotional distress to others.
Sadism – A personality trait characterized by deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others. – The research on sadism in digital environments suggests that some individuals may engage in cyberbullying as a form of sadistic gratification.
Psychopathy – A personality disorder marked by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy, and bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits. – Studies in psychology have shown that individuals with high levels of psychopathy may struggle to form genuine emotional connections with others.
Narcissism – A personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. – The prevalence of narcissism in social media users has been linked to the frequent posting of selfies and a desire for validation.
Behavior – The actions or reactions of an individual in response to external or internal stimuli. – Psychologists study behavior to understand how environmental factors influence human actions and decision-making processes.
Antisocial – Behavior that is hostile, disruptive, or violating social norms, often resulting in harm or lack of consideration for others. – Antisocial behavior in adolescents can be a predictor of more severe psychological issues in adulthood if not addressed early.
Emotions – Complex psychological states that involve a subjective experience, a physiological response, and a behavioral or expressive response. – Understanding emotions is crucial in psychology as they play a significant role in influencing human behavior and decision-making.
Cruelty – The act of causing physical or psychological pain to others, often intentionally and without empathy. – The study of cruelty in social psychology examines how situational factors can lead ordinary people to commit acts of cruelty.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Conducting research in social psychology helps us understand how societal norms and group dynamics influence individual behavior.
Internet – A global network of interconnected computers that enables users to access and share information and communicate with others. – The internet has transformed the way psychologists conduct research, allowing for large-scale studies and diverse participant samples.
