If you’re a woman navigating the online world, there’s a near certainty (like 99%) that you’ve encountered a male troll. And if you haven’t? Please enlighten us, because those individuals are everywhere. A recent study has validated what many women online have long suspected: men are significantly more likely to engage in trolling behavior on the internet. The culprit? Their antisocial and narcissistic tendencies.
I would love to meet the insightful individual behind this study and express my gratitude. However, it’s inevitable that some will shout #notallmen, which honestly makes my head spin from rolling my eyes so hard.
The research, conducted by psychologists from Brunel University and Goldsmiths, University of London, focused on Facebook as the chosen social media platform. They categorized social media use into two main types: prosocial, which focuses on building connections and nurturing relationships, and antisocial, which is characterized by seeking attention and trolling.
Women tend to engage in prosocial activities on Facebook, using it to stay connected with friends and family and to join communities of like-minded individuals. In contrast, more men utilize social media for antisocial purposes, relishing in being disruptive without clear reasons. This inclination suggests a higher likelihood of narcissistic traits among them.
Women familiar with the trolling landscape will undoubtedly respond with “no surprise there.” As a woman who frequents social media daily, I can attest to encountering my share of trolls. Being a writer who publishes online significantly increases my exposure to male trolls. While I attempt to take these interactions in stride, they can still be upsetting and frustrating.
Although this study utilized Facebook, we all know Twitter often serves as the breeding ground for narcissistic male trolls. They swarm like cockroaches, making it nearly impossible to eliminate them entirely. The range of disrespectful comments from men can be astonishing. One memorable instance involved a stranger suggesting that if my ex was “good enough” to have a child with, he was also suitable for marriage. I couldn’t help but find humor in such absurdity. I’ve also dealt with countless mansplainers, and the most ridiculous are those who try to twist my own words against me.
One could argue that since last August, the prevalence of narcissistic male trolls has dramatically increased. This surge is primarily due to our current leadership, which often exemplifies extreme narcissism through incessant tweeting about personal grievances. This behavior reflects a larger trend of antisocial internet use.
“Individuals with narcissistic traits may react aggressively to comments they interpret as negative,” explained social psychologist Nelli Ferenczi, one of the study’s co-authors. It’s worth noting that the study was conducted by three female psychologists: Ferenczi, Jane Smith, and Annabelle Lee, who were inspired to research this issue after experiencing trolling themselves. This groundbreaking study reveals the connection between trolling and narcissism, confirming what was previously assumed.
When confronted about their behavior, narcissists often shift blame, making it appear as if the fault lies with others. Male fragility and narcissism thrive online, and women who choose to stand up against it often find themselves targeted. “Underlying hostile actions may be an attempt to regain power and self-worth,” Ferenczi added, making this behavior more understandable. By bullying women online, these men attempt to reclaim a sense of control they feel has been taken from them.
Of course, the researchers acknowledged that women can be trolls too, but the dynamics are typically different. Male trolls frequently resort to personal attacks, like targeting a woman’s appearance, or they may involve others in their tirades. I have witnessed this firsthand, and likely, so have you.
Regrettably, there isn’t a straightforward solution to this issue. We can’t simply remove all men from social media or mandate a course on misogyny before they can create accounts. Instead, we’ll continue to confront the behavior directly. Speaking out against it remains our most effective weapon.
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Summary:
A recent study by psychologists confirms that internet trolls are predominantly narcissistic men, a finding that resonates with many women who have faced trolling. The research highlights the antisocial tendencies of these men, who often use social media to seek attention through hostility. Despite acknowledging that women can also troll, the aggressive and personal nature of male trolling is distinct. As the online landscape continues to be marred by these behaviors, women are encouraged to confront the issue head-on.