Trolling and Victims' Perception of Trolling

Abstract

Online trolling is the practise of engaging in dishonest, harmful, or disruptive behaviour in a social setting over the internet without any apparent gain. If a target falls for their trick, the trolling gets worse for even more heinous enjoyment. Trolling may be distinguished from other forms of online antisociality by its dishonest and “pointless” disruptive features, in contrast to which the perpetrators' names and objectives are usually more transparent. Trolling has adverse negative effects on mental health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address this issue. This chapter attempted to look into the causes of trolling which is damaging the mental health of people and why people become victims of trolling. Secondly, it assessed whether the damage in mental health vary with age or not. Thematic analysis was conducted on the transcribed data and the findings were discussed.