There is an urgent need to understand why people troll, as recent Australian estimates show about one in three internet users have experienced online harassment. Trolling is defined as a malicious online behaviour characterized by aggressive and deliberate provocation of others. Trolls seek to provoke, upset, and harm others via inflammatory messages and posts.

Trolling can cause significant harm and distress, including disrupted sleep, lowered self-esteem, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and in some cases, even suicide. Trolling and online abuse have cost the Australian economy up to $3.7 billion in health costs and lost income.

In a recent study, gender, psychopathy, and sadism were all significant independent predictors of malevolent trolling. The most powerful predictor of trolling was sadism. Self-esteem was not an independent predictor of trolling, but high levels of sadism and high self-esteem were more likely to lead to trolling.

The psychological profile of an internet troll means that appealing to their sense of humanity may not work. Showing the troll they have upset you may only reinforce their behavior. Instead, one proposal is to become active bystanders and intervene to say "this is not okay".

• One in three internet users have experienced online harassment in Australia
• Trolling is a malicious online behavior characterized by aggressive and deliberate provocation of others
• Trolling can cause significant harm and distress
• Gender, psychopathy, and sadism were significant independent predictors of malevolent trolling, with sadism being the most powerful predictor
• Self-esteem was not an independent predictor of trolling, but high levels of sadism and high self-esteem were more likely to lead to trolling
• Showcasing reactions may reinforce troll behavior
• Becoming active bystanders and intervening can be an effective way to combat trolling

Source: The Conversation