It is nearly impossible to go to any website involving social interaction between users and not find some of those users engaging in some sort of asocial behavior. These people spill rude comments, threats, and general hatred toward others online. They are called trolls, haters, and so on. But why do people troll? Do they behave the same way – say the same things – in “real” life?
The anonymity of social venues such as the Internet creates a totally different environment for social interaction. It is sometimes said that social inhibitions are lower under conditions of anonymity, which allows for fewer consequences and less accountability for one’s words and actions. But if one asks a troll why they troll, the troll might simply respond, “for the lulz.”
Why is it so entertaining? Is the low likelihood of repercussions part of what makes trolling so enjoyable for some? What other factors are at play here?
I propose that the anonymous nature of online interactions allows for completely different social norms as opposed to “real life.” Additionally, depending on the specific online community, there are different sets of social norms. In order to investigate this, I plan to observe and compare trolling activity on a variety of sites, looking for patterns in content and frequency. My observations will be compared with previously published literature on trolling and online behavior.
Trolls are part of life on the Internet. Their actions may be extreme, but trolls are people too. Understanding where and how trolling occurs could potentially lead to understanding the motivations behind trolls’ behavior, providing insights into the social norms of the Internet.
Edit: needed to add tag, rewording a couple things/clarification.
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