A new study published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication suggests that people who engage in trolling online may have sadistic tendencies. The researchers surveyed over 1,200 participants about their internet behavior and personality traits. They found that those who scored higher on a sadism scale were more likely to engage in trolling behavior. The study defines trolling as “the online act of posting inflammatory, insulting, or provocative messages” to provoke or upset others. The researchers also investigated the role of anonymity in trolling and found that it did not have a significant impact on the relationship between sadism and trolling. The results of this study shed light on the underlying psychological factors driving trolling behavior and emphasize the need for further research in this area. Additionally, it highlights the potential harm that trolling behavior can cause to individuals and communities online.
