Why Do Some Kids Act Mean Online? A Look at Trolling and Why It Happens

Online trolling is when people post mean or annoying messages to start fights or trouble. It's not just one thing, and not everyone does it for the same reason. Some kids do it to get back at someone, while others do it just for fun. A recent study looked at why kids aged 11 to 14 do this and found some interesting things.

Key Findings

• Revenge or Argument Trolls: Kids who troll for revenge or to argue are more likely to start fights or respond to others.
• Escape Trolls: Kids who troll to escape their real life are more likely to just watch or share mean content.
• Gender Differences:
• Girls: More likely to troll to argue or get revenge.
• Boys: More likely to troll to manipulate others or for fun.
• Social Justice Trolls: Some kids, especially boys, troll to maintain social justice.
• Peer Pressure: Some kids troll due to feeling pressured by others.

Research Methodology

The study used a special kind of analysis to look at the relationships between different reasons for trolling and different types of trolling. This helped the researchers understand how these things are connected. The study also looked at how boys and girls are different when it comes to trolling.

Importance of the Study

The study is important because it helps us understand why kids act mean online. This can help us find ways to stop it. However, it's important to remember that not all kids who troll are the same. Some kids might troll for one reason, while others might troll for a different reason. It's also important to remember that trolling is not always about being mean. Sometimes, kids might troll to stand up for something they believe in.