Study: Narcissistic men are more likely to be online-bullies and trolls
A research study has found that women use Facebook with prosocial motives while men lean towards bei
(Web Desk) – A recent study’s outcome results might not surprise any woman who has ever used the internet: men are most likely to be trolls and online bullies. What’s more, and not-so-surprising outcome of the study, is that trolls and online-bullies are more narcissistic.
According to the Independent, the study focused on the usage of social media and how people use this medium. Some users were found to be pro-social, looking to build relationships and to connect with others in a positive way. Others were found to be anti-social, seeking attention online and trolling.
Researchers from Brunel University and Goldsmiths, University of London in a study related to computers in human behaviour found that the use of Facebook for antisocial motives was found in men more than in women.
To find conclusion to their research, 537 US adults were sent an online survey asking the participants to rate themselves on a 13 point narcissistic personality scale. Participants were also asked about their motives for using Facebook.
Examples of antisocial behaviour included statements saying “I use Facebook to make people feel jealous,” “I use Facebook to be mean to people” and “I use Facebook to post sexy pictures of myself.”
The statements used in the study to demonstrate prosocial behaviour included “I use Facebook like and comment functions to show support for others,” “I use Facebook to communicate with people I do not often see” and “I use Facebook to see what other people are up to”.
Results showed men reported more antisocial motives for using Facebook than women, which was enlisted to their greater narcissism.
The study reported that women described having more prosocial motives towards using Facebook medium that was explained by their more relational self-analysis.
According to Brunel, the study is the first of its kind to have found a link between narcissism and trolling.
Dr Nelli Ferenczi, Goldsmith’s co-author explains,“We were interested to study this area after we ourselves were trolled online in response to some of our previously published research”. “This made us wonder if men are more likely to troll than women, and why.”
However, it’s rare but women can also be nasty online.
Dr. Ferenczi further explained why narcissism leads to trolling?
“People with narcissistic tendencies may behave in hostile ways as a response to comments they perceive are negative,” Ferenczi explains. “They may also behave in hostile ways because they are prone to aggression and manipulative behaviour.
“Underlying a hostile action might be the intent to re-establish power and self-esteem. Finally, some research indicates that narcissism is linked with a drive for negative social influence and power which may also explain in part the attraction of hostile attention.”
