By: Jordan Steele
Updated: Sep. 21, 2023
If you’re a woman navigating the online world, there’s an overwhelming chance (like 99%) that you’ve encountered a male troll. And if you haven’t, please do share your secrets, because these individuals are lurking in every corner of the internet. A recent study has confirmed what many women have long suspected: men are more likely to engage in trolling behavior online, often fueled by antisocial and narcissistic tendencies.
Kudos to the researchers for bringing this to light, but let’s be real; it feels like stating the obvious. Of course, there will be those who shout #notallmen, but I can’t help but roll my eyes at that.
The Study
Conducted by a team from Brunel University and Goldsmiths, University of London, the study focused on Facebook as its social media platform. The researchers categorized social media use into two types: prosocial (making connections and maintaining relationships) and antisocial (seeking attention and trolling). Women generally use Facebook in a prosocial manner, while men are more likely to engage in antisocial behavior, which often leads to trolling. This tendency aligns with a higher likelihood of narcissism among male users.
As a woman who frequently uses social media, I can attest to the prevalence of male trolls. Being a writer who primarily publishes online, I’ve certainly faced my share of negative comments. While I try to take it all in stride, it still stings and can be quite frustrating.
The Worst Offenders
Though this study centers on Facebook, we all know that Twitter is arguably the worst platform for narcissistic male trolls. They seem to multiply like cockroaches; you can never fully rid yourself of them. The range of unwanted male comments varies widely in terms of misogyny and disrespect. One memorable comment I received was from a man who stated that if my ex was good enough to father a child with, then he was good enough to marry. I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity.
Some might argue that the number of narcissistic male trolls has skyrocketed since last August, mainly due to the most narcissistic male troll in the country tweeting incessantly. It’s baffling how someone can turn every grievance into a personal vendetta, but it’s indicative of the antisocial nature of internet behavior.
Insights from Research
Dr. Emily Carter, one of the researchers, pointed out, “Individuals with narcissistic tendencies may react negatively to comments they perceive as critical.” It’s worth noting that this study was conducted by three female psychologists who decided to explore this issue after experiencing trolling themselves. This research is groundbreaking as it provides concrete evidence linking trolling behavior to narcissism.
Interestingly, when narcissists are confronted about their actions, they often twist the narrative to make it about themselves. This pattern of behavior demonstrates a troubling connection between male fragility and narcissism in online spaces. Women who dare to challenge this behavior often face harsh backlash. As Dr. Carter explained, “Hostile actions may stem from an attempt to reclaim power and self-esteem,” which makes complete sense. By targeting women online, these men attempt to restore a sense of control they feel they’ve lost.
The Scale of the Problem
While it’s true that women can also exhibit trolling behavior, the scale and nature of male trolling are typically more intense. Male trolls often prolong the harassment, get personal, and rally others to join in. I’ve witnessed this firsthand, and I’m sure many of you have too.
Unfortunately, there’s no simple solution to this pervasive issue. We can’t just remove all men from social media or require them to undergo sensitivity training before creating accounts. Instead, we must confront this behavior head-on. Speaking out against it is our most powerful tool.
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In summary, the study sheds light on the troubling connection between male trolls and narcissism, validating what many women have long known. While we may not have a quick fix, addressing these issues openly is crucial for creating a more respectful online environment.