High esteem and hurting others online : Trait sadism moderates the relationship between self-esteem and internet trolling
Journal article
March, Evita and Steele, Genevieve. (2020). High esteem and hurting others online : Trait sadism moderates the relationship between self-esteem and internet trolling. CyberPsychology, Behavior and Social Networking. 23(7), pp. 441-446. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2019.0652
Authors | March, Evita and Steele, Genevieve |
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Abstract | Internet trolling is commonly defined as disruptive online behavior, intended to provoke and distress others for amusement. Previous research has shown that gender (specifically, male), trait psychopathy, and trait sadism significantly predict engaging in trolling. In this study, we sought to replicate and extend previous research by exploring the role of self-esteem in predicting trolling, and possible interactions between self-esteem and personality. Participants (n = 400, 67.5 percent women, average age = 24.97 years [SD = 8.84]) completed an online questionnaire, including measures of psychopathy, sadism, self-esteem, and trolling behaviors. Results corroborated previous research showing gender (male) to be a significant predictor of trolling, and trait psychopathy and sadism to be significant positive predictors. Although self-esteem had no additional value on top of trait psychopathy and sadism in explaining trolling, there was a significant interaction between self-esteem and trait sadism. A moderation analysis indicated a positive relationship between self-esteem and trolling, but only when trait sadism was high. These results portray the troll as a callous individual may enjoy causing psychological harm, particularly if their self-esteem is high. These results contribute to building the psychological profile of trolls and provide future directions for research exploring trolling behaviors. |
Keywords | trolling; gender; self-esteem; psychopathy; sadism |
Year | 2020 |
Journal | CyberPsychology, Behavior and Social Networking |
Journal citation | 23 (7), pp. 441-446 |
Publisher | Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. |
ISSN | 2152-2715 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2019.0652 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85088244070 |
Research or scholarly | Research |
Page range | 441-446 |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 04 May 2020 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 22 Aug 2021 |
Deposited | 25 Aug 2021 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8wq4y/high-esteem-and-hurting-others-online-trait-sadism-moderates-the-relationship-between-self-esteem-and-internet-trolling
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