Summary

Research indicates that internet trolls often exhibit antisocial personality traits, a desire for social dominance, and underlying loneliness, which drives their online behavior.

Abstract

The article delves into the psychological profile of internet trolls, highlighting their tendency to display social dominance and engage in downward social comparisons to bolster their self-esteem. It suggests that trolls possess antisocial personality traits, including elements of the Dark Tetrad—Machiavellianism, sadism, psychopathy, and narcissism. These traits are linked to their enjoyment of online trolling, particularly the infliction of suffering on others. The article also notes that loneliness can exacerbate these traits and that trolls often seek social approval and connection, despite their abrasive online personas. The research implies that trolls may find solace in conspiracy theories and communities that accept their behavior. Understanding these characteristics can help individuals avoid engaging in fruitless debates and instead foster a more constructive online community.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the futility of responding to trolls, as it only fuels their desire for conflict and emotional reactions.
Trolls are seen as needing therapy rather than confrontation, as their behavior stems from deep-seated psychological issues.
The article implies that trolls are not merely seeking to argue but are driven by a need to assert dominance and control over others.
There is a suggestion that trolls may not be satisfied with their real-life relationships, leading them to seek validation and connection in online spaces.
The author expresses a personal resolution to understand trolls better to avoid being offended or defeated by their tactics.
The article posits that trolls may be drawn to conspiracy theories as a way to gain social approval from like-minded online communities.

What Research Shows About Internet Trolls

You don’t have to respond to them, but it helps to understand them.

Internet trolls — you can’t live with them, and you can’t spray them with Raid.

I typically don’t respond to internet trolls because that’s really what they want — to get an emotional reaction out of you. It’s one thing to disagree with someone, but internet trolls are only looking for their next sting. They feed on conflict rather than knowledge.

Recently I received a few comments for my response to someone else’s evidence-based article on COVID. I admired the research and graphs from the article, so I lauded the writer.

The trolls didn’t like it. They responded with various ad hominem attacks and pleas for me to address my cognitive dissonance. I had to laugh at the latter because I had written a paper on Festinger’s Theory of Cognitive Dissonance in graduate school. I heard echoes of Inigo Montoya: “You keep using that word...”

Sure, my need to be right was aroused. I wanted to give them a dose of their vitriol, but that only shows that I was easy prey for their drama. Playing their game puts them in control, and no resolution would ever arrive until they “won.”

Instead, I sought to play my own game. I decided to understand them. That way, when I’m lured into their traps, I’m neither offended nor defeated.

And honestly, after reading some of the peer-reviewed research on the personality characteristics of internet trolls, I realized that they have enough problems of their own. They don’t need my snarky response. They need therapy.

Here are a few things that I learned:

They thrive on control

Internet trolls tend to exhibit social dominance, which is a personality trait associated with a preference for hierarchy and inequality. They believe their group is the right one, and they believe the “other” is wrong. Therefore, the “other” must be eradicated.

To help them feel more confident that they are better off than others, they tend to engage in downward social comparisons. This stems from Festinger’s “other” theory, social comparison theory. If an internet troll makes a comparison with someone who is “worse off” (a downward comparison), it makes the troll feel better.

In a content analysis of internet trolling, researchers found personal attacks and “us vs. them” strategies to belittle others. They “attempt to engage others in a game of transgressive one-upmanship” in order to maintain their social dominance and solidify their position.

They have antisocial personality traits

Although we might dismiss internet trolls as psychopaths, research shows that many who engage in online trolling actually do possess antisocial personality traits. The Dark Tetrad is a collection of four antisocial traits: Machiavellianism (manipulative), sadism (desire to inflict suffering), psychopathy (lack of empathy), and narcissism.

These “dark” personality traits have predicted COVID-19 responses. One study found that trait psychopathy and sadism predicted online trolling, but the strongest predictor was those who enjoy being cruel towards others. These people don’t enjoy (or may not have) positive social interactions.

They’re lonely

Although many of us might have felt a pang of loneliness the past few years, internet trolls tend to be lonely. One study found that loneliness is a moderator of trolling behavior, meaning that loneliness amplifies the Dark Tetrad. They also tend to be more depressed and feel a sense of inferiority.

Interestingly, as much as they want to manipulate others, ultimately they are looking for social approval. Their current relationships — in real life or online — are unsatisfying, but they seek connection with others.

It’s not surprising that those who possess traits from the Dark Tetrad are also more likely to endorse conspiracy theories. Their disdain for online censorship and government regulation combined with their need for approval turn them toward online communities that accept them.

It’s not as if I now have sympathy for online trolls, but it helps dampen my desire to “prove them wrong” through my interactions with them. There’s nothing I can do or say for them to see things from my perspective, especially when we don’t engage in interpersonal discourse.

I can, however, learn about their strategies and their drives so that I can contribute to a more useful online community rather than an abusive one. Hopefully, you can, too.