Table of Contents
Why do some people enjoy trolling?
There are many reasons why people might troll online, and it’s different from one troll to the next. Dr Mark Griffiths, Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University said: “Most people troll others for either revenge, for attention seeking, for boredom, and for personal amusement.”
What is the point of trolling?
“Trolls” seek to provoke, upset and harm others via inflammatory messages and posts. Trolling can refer to a variety of online behaviour. In some circumstances, the intent of the trolling behaviour may even be to amuse and entertain.
What do people gain from trolling?
Basically, trolling behavior can feel rewarding in two ways: the pleasure experienced from getting a rise out of a target (positive reinforcement) and in some cases, the pleasure experienced by avoiding or distracting from aspects of life that are uncomfortable (negative reinforcement).
Why do people troll on the Internet?
A person is more likely to troll from behind a screen than face-to-face due to a false sense of security. Metaphorically, the online environment can produce a sort of mental veil that seems to open a release valve into some of the darker corners of human nature—not unlike the “liquid courage” and disinhibition that alcohol can provide.
How does it feel to be a victim of trolling?
If you’ve ever been the victim of persistent online trolling, then you know exactly how discombobulating it can feel. You might feel mixed emotions that range from confusion and anger to anxiety and sadness. And you wouldn’t be alone.
How common is trolling and is it a problem?
Research has shown that roughly four in 10 Americans have personally experienced online harassment and that 62 percent consider it to be a major problem. You might ask: What causes trolling and what can I do about it? Well, before we can get to the psychology, we have to get our definitions in order.
How does trolling affect your mental health?
Lastly, trolling can result in many mixed emotions. In this vein, it’s important to develop and practice mental health coping skills. If you’re struggling with mental health concerns, then you should seek help from a professional. If you’re being harassed and feeling threatened, then you should call the police and seek legal counsel.