A new study published in the journal Behavioral Sciences suggests that individuals who engage in online trolling are more likely to possess dark humor and other malevolent personality traits. Researchers from the University of Plymouth found that individuals with a dark sense of humor were also more likely to exhibit traits such as sadism and Machiavellianism. Trolling is characterized by deception and disruption, with trolls aiming to incite controversy for the sake of watching others turn against each other. The study, which included 165 UK university students, found that those with a proclivity for dark humor showed higher levels of the Dark Tetrad traits, with a particular focus on Machiavellianism and sadism. However, despite their enjoyment of psychological torture, trolls did not appreciate being the target of trolling themselves.
The results of the study shed light on the potential dark psychological motivations behind the appreciation and use of dark humor, as well as the behavior of online trolls. While those with dark humor tendencies may find joy in trolling others, they do not enjoy being on the receiving end of such behavior. This suggests a disconnect between the experiences of trolling and being trolled. The study authors concluded that online trolling is related to darker forms of humor and may be fueled by underlying motivations such as sadism and Machiavellianism. The findings provide insights into the behavior of trolls and the relationship between dark humor and malevolent personality traits.
Dark humor has been linked to the Dark Tetrad traits of narcissism, sadism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. The study found that individuals who appreciate dark humor also tend to exhibit these traits, with sadism being a particularly strong indicator of a propensity for creating dark humor or trolling content. This suggests that trolling behavior may be driven by a desire to inflict psychological harm on others, with individuals who score high on sadism being especially adept at engaging in such behavior. However, the study also revealed that despite their penchant for trolling, individuals with dark humor traits do not enjoy being the targets of trolling themselves.
The study highlights the complex relationship between dark humor, trolling behavior, and malevolent personality traits. By examining the link between dark humor and the Dark Tetrad traits, researchers were able to gain insights into the motivations behind online trolling. The findings suggest that individuals who engage in trolling may do so out of a desire to inflict harm on others and derive pleasure from watching others suffer. The results also indicate that there is a disconnect between the experiences of trolling others and being the target of trolling, with trolls not enjoying being on the receiving end of such behavior. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the psychological motivations underlying trolling behavior and the role of dark humor in this social phenomenon.
The study adds to the existing body of research on online trolling and its relationship to personality traits. By uncovering the connection between dark humor, the Dark Tetrad traits, and trolling behavior, researchers have provided a deeper understanding of why individuals engage in trolling online. The findings suggest that trolling behavior may be driven by a combination of dark motivations such as sadism and Machiavellianism, which are also associated with an appreciation for dark humor. This complexity underscores the need for further research to explore the underlying psychological mechanisms that drive trolling behavior and how it relates to malevolent personality traits. The study offers valuable insights into the motivations behind online trolling and the potential dark psychological factors that contribute to this behavior.
