[Examining the psychology of Hungarian online trolls and trolling: Interim Findings from an International Internet-based Cross-Sectional Survey Study].

Abstract

Background: Online trolling has gained significant research attention, yet certain aspects remain understudied. Previous studies have focused on defining trolling and exploring dark personality traits, but there is limited research on less dark underlying personality traits of trolls. This study aimed to address these gaps by investigating the motivation, personality traits, and experiences of internet "trolls", and exploring social media users' perceptions of trolls versus cyberbullies.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with a Hungarian sample (N=383), assessing attitudes towards offensive online behavior, social media usage, and experiences as trolling perpetrators or victims.

Results: Results showed 48,56% of Hungarian social media users experienced trolling, while 31,07% engaged in it. Facebook had the highest occurrence. Key predictors of trolling behavior were sadism and enjoyment of aggressive humor. Psychopathy showed a negative association with trolling when combined with other variables, indicating trolling is influenced by the complex interplay of personality traits and social factors. The study also found that the prevalence of trolling in Hungary has tripled compared to previous research, indicating a concerning trend.

Conclusion: These findings can inform interventions to address trolling behavior, emphasizing positive online norms and respectful communication. By integrating technological solutions, policy frameworks, and educational initiatives, a safer online environment can be created, reducing the prevalence and impact of trolling.