A discourse analysis approach to understanding the characteristics of trolling in social media
Citation
(2016) A discourse analysis approach to understanding
the characteristics of trolling in social media, no. 53.
Abstract
Computer-mediated communications (CMC) has introduced new ways in which people
communicate with each other (Hardaker, 2010). The ease of communication, in a more
anonymised social context brings a different set of communication behaviours and patterns,
some of which can be negative, such as trolling. YouTube attracts high volumes of trolling
(Moor, Heuvelman, & Verleur, 2010). The aims of this study into trolling on YouTube were
to examine if and / or how users responded to trolling with further trolling, and if users that
interjected in defence of the target found themselves to be the new target of trolling. A subset
of trolling data generated by a video of a feminist was analysed using discourse analysis.
Trolling did often lead to more trolling, but the trolls did not attack users who intervened
with a counter argument. The most overt sexual comments generated more trolling by
different users, thus providing further evidence between trolling and sexually aggressive
language. The influence of anonymity on trolling presented opportunities for further study.
The study provides insight into the patterns of trolling behaviour on YouTube. Whilst it is too
limited to be generalised, the study offers a greater understanding into the characteristics of
trolling on social media.