In the digital age, few phenomena have proven as pervasive and toxic as “online trolling.” From social media platforms to comment sections on news websites, trolls are everywhere, stirring up conflict and spreading negativity.
But who are these trolls, and what drives them to act this way? Recent research reveals surprising insights: many online trolls are narcissists with low self-esteem who do not like to be on the receiving end of their own behavior.
“This research also allowed for deeper insights into online trolls,” wrote authors of a recent study published in Behavioral Sciences. “Interestingly, online trolls did not appear to enjoy being trolled, but they enjoy trolling, highlighting a disconnect between the two experiences.”
Online trolling, broadly defined, involves the deliberate provocation, harassment, or upsetting of others online, often to elicit an emotional response.
Trolls can use various tactics, from personal insults and offensive jokes to misinformation and outright abuse. While the intent of trolling may range from sheer amusement to malicious harm, its impact can be substantial, affecting mental health, online discourse, and community trust.
For some, online trolling has even become a niche market. These “professional trolls” often manage social media accounts or YouTube channels focused exclusively on criticizing specific individuals or topics. Unlike traditional media critics, professional trolls seldom offer positive or balanced perspectives. Instead, they primarily rely on personal attacks or exaggerated criticism to draw attention.
Inside the Mind of the online Troll: The Narcissist Connection
Two recent studies published in Telematics and Informatics and Behavioral Sciences sheds light on the psychology behind trolling. Both studies converge on a similar conclusion: a significant proportion of trolls exhibit narcissistic traits. They are often characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and an insatiable need for attention and admiration.
The study in Telematics and Informatics, led by a team of German social psychologists, found that individuals with high levels of narcissism are more likely to engage in online trolling.
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the American Psychological Association (APA) defines narcissistic personality disorder as having “a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy, with interpersonal entitlement, exploitativeness, arrogance, and envy.”
Narcissists thrive on validation and often seek to dominate online spaces where they can control the narrative and draw attention to themselves. However, their behavior is not just about asserting superiority but also a defense mechanism against their insecurities.
This finding was echoed in the research from Behavioral Sciences, which delved deeper into the connection between narcissism and online trolling. The study identified two types of narcissism prevalent among trolls: grandiose and vulnerable. Grandiose narcissists are overtly self-confident and seek admiration and recognition.
In contrast, vulnerable narcissists have low self-esteem, oscillating between feelings of superiority and intense insecurity. Interestingly, both types were linked to increased trolling behavior for slightly different reasons.
While grandiose narcissists use trolling to assert dominance and control, vulnerable narcissists tend to lash out due to their sensitivity to perceived slights or criticism.
They may troll others to elevate themselves by comparison, masking their insecurities behind a façade of bravado. Yet, these same individuals are highly sensitive to being trolled themselves, often reacting with anger or defensiveness when they are the target.
Low Self-Esteem of online trolls Drives Destructive Behavior
The studies further suggest that low self-esteem is a critical factor contributing to trolling behavior. Contrary to the popular stereotype of the confident provocateur, many trolls are, in fact, deeply insecure. The research by German psychologists points to a significant correlation between low self-esteem and a higher likelihood of engaging in online trolling.
According to the researchers, individuals with low self-esteem may turn to trolling as a way to compensate for their insecurities. By attacking others, they create a temporary sense of power and control. However, this behavior can also lead to a cycle of negativity: the more they troll, the worse they feel about themselves, prompting even more destructive actions.
“Note that this evidence is in line with the social compensation hypothesis, which proposes that social media elicit the ‘poor get richer’ effect, meaning that the use of social media is especially promising for people who are limited in their communication skills offline,” researchers wrote.
The Behavioral Sciences study by researchers from the University of Plymouth highlights that many trolls experience feelings of inadequacy and social isolation, which they attempt to counteract by seeking attention and validation online.
Unfortunately, this often backfires, as trolling rarely brings positive reinforcement. Instead, trolling isolates online trolls further, perpetuating their insecurities and driving them to continue the behavior in a misguided attempt to feel better.
online Trolls Don’t Like Being Trolled Back
Interestingly, while trolls are quick to dish out insults and provoke others, they are less adept at handling similar treatment directed at them.
Social psychologists Sophie Voisey and Sonja Heintz found that many trolls have a low tolerance for criticism or negative feedback. When they become the target, they often react with heightened aggression or retreat, revealing a thin skin beneath their abrasive exterior.
“Interestingly, online trolls did not appear to enjoy being trolled, but they enjoy trolling, highlighting a disconnect between the two experiences,” Voisey and Heintz wrote. “This illustrates that online trolls can ‘give’ but not ‘take’ and further demonstrates that there is a disconnect between the two trolling experiences.”
This paradoxical finding underscores the fragile self-image of many online trolls. They project strength and confidence but are easily hurt by negative interactions.
These findings suggest that this vulnerability from being trolled may stem from their underlying insecurities. When confronted with trolling behavior directed at them, their self-esteem takes a hit, exposing the very fragility they seek to hide.
Implications for Online Communities and Social Media Platforms
The findings from these studies have important implications for understanding and managing trolling behavior in online communities.
While many platforms have implemented measures to combat trolling—such as comment moderation, reporting tools, and user bans—these studies suggest that a more profound psychological approach may also be necessary.
One potential strategy is to develop interventions that address the underlying insecurities of trolls. For instance, online platforms could incorporate features that promote positive engagement and self-esteem building, such as recognizing constructive contributions and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, educating users about the psychology behind trolling could help reduce the emotional impact on its victims.
However, the research also highlights a more challenging reality: some trolls may be unlikely to change their behavior without targeted psychological support. For individuals whose trolling is driven by deeply ingrained narcissistic traits or low self-esteem, professional help is likely necessary to address these underlying issues.
The insights from these studies are not just about understanding trolls but also illuminating the broader impact of trolling on society.
Online trolling can degrade the quality of online discourse, discourage constructive engagement, and foster a culture of hostility and distrust. This is particularly concerning in an era where many social, political, and cultural interactions occur online.
By understanding trolls’ traits and motivations, communities and platforms can better tailor their strategies to mitigate trolling behavior. Encouraging healthier online interactions and fostering a culture of empathy and respect may help reduce the prevalence of trolling and create a more positive digital environment.
The image of the online troll has long been clouded by confusion over why someone would repeatedly engage in negative behavior or deliberately try to hurt others emotionally.
However, these research studies offer a clearer picture: many trolls are narcissists with fragile egos and low self-esteem. They lash out online, seeking validation and attention, but are often ill-equipped to handle criticism.
By revealing the psychological makeup of trolls, these studies provide a roadmap for addressing one of the internet’s most persistent problems—reminding us that, at their core, trolls are often more vulnerable than they appear.
Tim McMillan is a retired law enforcement executive, investigative reporter and co-founder of The Debrief. His writing typically focuses on defense, national security, the Intelligence Community and topics related to psychology. You can follow Tim on Twitter: @LtTimMcMillan. Tim can be reached by email: tim@thedebrief.org or through encrypted email: LtTimMcMillan@protonmail.com