If you’ve spent more than five minutes online, the likelihood is high that you’ve encountered a troll. Not the kind lurking under bridges—these trolls hide beneath Instagram stories and Reddit threads, thriving on the turmoil within your comment sections. An internet troll may express “provocative opinions” about how reading is futile, fabricate drama involving your favorite stars, or simply belittle other users.

But who are these individuals, really? Are they bored adolescents with an affinity for chaos or is there something more sinister lurking behind those anonymous handles?

Psychologists, such as the University of Georgia’s Joshua Miller, have been investigating narcissistic and aggressive characteristics, and guess what? Trolling is not merely an annoying pastime. It signifies a deeper personality disorder.

What Defines an Internet Troll?

An internet troll is an individual who deliberately and aggressively harasses others online through disruptive, offensive, or incendiary comments. They may:

• derail meaningful discussions by launching insults,
• inundate films or products with negative feedback,
• consistently refute evident truths,
• intentionally post incorrect replies in Q&A forums,
• or flood live feeds with comments.

If you’ve encountered trolling online, you’re not alone—and your perceptions of negativity are valid. While trolling may appear to be a mostly harmless outlet for someone to relieve stress, psychological studies indicate otherwise. According to Miller, trolls often demonstrate deeper, more troubling traits connected to antisocial conduct, aggression, and cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying, a variant of online harassment, can have enduring impacts on an individual’s mental well-being. Cyberbullies disseminate insults and threats, alongside targeted campaigns meant to belittle or intimidate individuals. The same patterns that drive cyberbullies—hate speech, doxxing, misinformation—frequently manifest in internet trolls and are associated with particular personality traits.

“Traits such as psychopathy, narcissism, and even sadism are often linked to online trolling behaviors,” Miller says. “They all exhibit a fundamental personality dimension known as ‘agreeableness versus antagonism.’”

Agreeableness-Antagonism is a personality spectrum that assesses how individuals interact and behave within society. Those high in agreeableness tend to be more trusting, honest, and empathetic, while those scoring higher in antagonism reflect lower levels of these traits. Trolling behavior typically demonstrates low agreeableness and includes actions such as lying, manipulating, and aiming to harm or provoke others. Agreeableness-Antagonism also correlates strongly with sadism, indicating that some antagonistic individuals derive satisfaction from inflicting pain on others.

Though not criminal, trolling violates social norms—a digital equivalent of bullying. Social media platforms, with their anonymity and lack of obvious repercussions, have become an ideal medium for this type of personality to emerge.

Why is the Internet Ideal for Narcissistic Personalities?

Miller points out that many trolls feel powerless or unnoticed in their everyday lives. Yet online, they discover a platform to assert authority, elicit strong responses, and attain a sense of significance—all through negative interactions.

“The anonymity provided by social media has made it excessively easy to terrify people in ways that society will need to address,” Miller explains. “It’s too simple for individuals to spread misinformation, harassment, and even fatal threats without facing real consequences.”

The capability to conceal one’s identity behind a pseudonym and encryption gives internet trolls the safety they require to act out against actual people, from bullying neighbors to insulting or even threatening celebrities and politicians. In the real world, it is far more difficult for a troll to display this conduct, where imprisonment or a confrontation could be the consequence.

However, Miller asserts that many trolls possess the same antagonistic traits in real life as they do in the digital space—they’re just more discreet about it.

“Trolls who are aggressive online but subdued offline may simply lack the physical or social security to convey their antagonism in person,” Miller states. “Nonetheless, research suggests that those who persistently troll others online are often challenging individuals offline as well. Tailgating others in traffic. Being harsh toward their spouses. Such behaviors.”

Trolling, in this light, represents an extension of deeper personality issues that manifest across various aspects of life. While some behaviors remain digital, the underlying traits—low empathy, heightened defensiveness, and a propensity to assign blame to others—frequently spill over into the physical world.

And if you inquired with their friends or partners, Miller notes, many would likely not be astonished by a diagnosis of narcissism. “Yeah, that sounds just like Steve,” they might think.

Traits of a Narcissist Online and Offline

Grasping the various facets of narcissism and their assorted traits can shed light on some trolling behavior. Miller’s research differentiates between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism.

Individuals exhibiting grandiose narcissism are outwardly assured, interpersonally dominating, and crave attention. Those displaying vulnerable narcissism tend to be more introverted, socially withdrawn, and interpersonally sensitive while perceiving themselves as not receiving the acknowledgment, attention, or equitable treatment they deserve.

People who score high on either (or both) axes might be reactive to online criticism—but their reactions can vary. Grandiose narcissists usually retaliate with anger or insults, frequently defending their boosted self-image and sense of superiority aggressively. Conversely, vulnerable narcissists may experience profound shame or insecurity, even while being just as susceptible to reactive forms of aggression.

This clarifies why certain trolls appear defensive and emotionally delicate underneath, while others exude confidence and bravado. The internet serves as a fertile environment for both to engage in acts that safeguard or enhance their self-image, whether via self-promotion or by disparaging others. 

Should You Simply Disregard Trolling Behavior? 

Trolls might be easily brushed off as “just rude individuals,” but the ramifications of their actions can be significant. Beyond disseminating negativity online, antagonistic personalities can harm relationships, workplaces, and even communities. In some instances, online harassment escalates to threats or worse. 

In 2014, a male programmer erupted at his ex-girlfriend, a well-known video game developer. He published a false and slanderous article about her which quickly spiraled out of control. Numerous 4chan users propagated the false information and harassed the developer with doxing and even death threats. This incident became known as Gamergate.

Events like this are why Miller is concerned that insufficient research is being conducted to understand and address these behaviors.

“There’s a considerable amount of research focused on assisting individuals with more internalized conditions like anxiety or depression, as it’s simpler to be empathetic towards them. It’s more challenging to extend compassion to those who intentionally harm others,” Miller states. “That ethical aspect dissuades people from wanting to invest in research of this nature. However, ignoring these traits doesn’t make them disappear.”

Addressing antagonistic personalities could not only lessen online toxicity but also avert real-world damage. From aggressive driving to toxic workplaces, the ripple effects of these actions are extensive. Investing in solutions, whether therapeutic or policy-based, could spare individuals from significant emotional and psychological distress.

Ways to Safeguard Yourself from an Internet Troll

On a more personal note, there are measures you can take to manage internet trolls. While most trolls aren’t physically threatening, the psychological impact of their attacks can be remarkably real. Receiving insults, threats, or harassment online can lead to stress, anxiety, and fear—even if it’s from someone posing anonymously with a fake profile picture and a cartoon username.

The more anonymous and detached the interaction, the more likely someone is to act out. Just as aggressive drivers feel empowered behind the wheel, trolls feel invincible behind a keyboard. This is especially true if they are utilizing fake names, encrypted networks, or temporary accounts.

Here are some suggestions: 

• Avoid engagement. Trolls thrive on attention.
• Block liberally. If they cannot contact you, they cannot harm you.
• Report when necessary. If you feel your mental or physical health is at risk, it’s wise to inform a moderator or the authorities.
• Take breaks from social media as needed. 

Comprehending the psychological reasons behind trolling does not mean you must condone the behavior. However, it can assist you in recognizing it for what it truly is: a manifestation of someone else’s deeper issues, not a reflection of your self-worth. 

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