Online trolls unmasked: Victorian researchers expose internet hater profile

WHO are the faceless cowards behind nasty online attacks? New research uncovers the motivation of an internet troll and their common traits.

• Health Minister Jill Hennessy applauded for taking on anti-vaxxer social media trolls

THEY are the most hated people on the internet — so why do people troll?

New research has unmasked the psyche of nasty online pests, revealing they are most commonly men who get a sadistic thrill from causing mayhem

And among the worst ways to feed a troll are to engage with or expose them, as it gives them the attention they want and reinforces their behaviour.

The Australian-first Federation University study was launched after the death of TV presenter Charlotte Dawson in 2014, who took her own life after being attacked online.

Federation University psychology researcher Dr Evita March said the online survey of almost 400 people found distinctive personality traits in trolls on Facebook.

“They take enjoyment from hurting others,” she said.

“They have low empathy, are callous and they are higher in psychopathy and sadism.

“They are really motivated by creating this mayhem.

“It’s almost like a release for some people and others get in the crossfire.”

Internet trolls are most commonly men who get a sadistic thrill from causing mayhem, new research has found. Picture: iStock

Dr March said up to one in three people admit to trolling, while just 10 per cent admit to cyber bullying: “Trolling is a lot more pervasive than people think.”

And while some victims responded by trying to expose their harassers, she said this could actually fuel those behind the keyboard as trolls often run off fake online accounts.

“They are not going to feel shame, they want that attention, it’s reinforcing,” she said.

“If we can educate people not to take it personally, that’s probably the best first step.

“It’s about giving people the tools so they can psychologically protect themselves and prevent adverse affects on themselves.”

Dr March, based at the Gippsland Campus, is using her research to inform larger studies into trolling and the impact on victims, and hopes it can help social media sites better protect their users.

Alannah & Madeline Foundation senior adviser cyber safety Jeremy Blackman said trolling was complex and came in many forms, including those who targeted ‘Rest In Peace’ tribute pages with horrible comments.

But the basic motivation was attacking attention seeking behaviour online, he said, to disrupt it or try to shut it down.

“We talk a lot about the attention economy,” he said.

“People need to first really think about why they are posting something, especially in a public forum.”

Twitter and YouTube were particular “trolling fields” as it was easier to set up anonymous accounts favoured by haters.

He said it was incumbent on large social network companies to try harder to fight trolling and make their sites safer for users.