Online Aggression and Trolling Behavior: Role of Anonymity and Deindividuation

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Autore principale: Gotkhinde, Sonali Vasant
Natura: Recurso digital
Pubblicazione: Zenodo 2026
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author Gotkhinde, Sonali Vasant
author_facet Gotkhinde, Sonali Vasant
contents <p><strong><em><span>Abstract</span></em></strong></p> <p><em><span>Online aggression and trolling have become persistent features of contemporary digital interaction, shaping individual well-being and the quality of public discourse. This secondary data-based research paper examines how anonymity and deindividuation contribute to online aggression, with a particular focus on the behavior of trolling. Drawing on established psychological frameworks, particularly the Online Disinhibition Effect and the Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effects (SIDE), the paper synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed research and large-scale survey findings. Anonymity is argued to reduce accountability and heighten disinhibition, while deindividuation shifts attention away from personal standards toward situational cues and group norms.<span>  </span>Secondary statistics indicate that online harassment is widespread, with substantial proportions of users reporting direct exposure to name-calling, threats, stalking, and sexual harassment. The synthesis suggests that anonymity does not <span>inevitably</span> produce aggression; rather, it interacts with platform design, perceived norms, peer reinforcement, and individual traits (e.g., sadism/psychopathy). The paper concludes with implications for prevention, including “identity-light but accountability-strong” platform design, norm-setting interventions, and bystander empowerment.</span></em></p> <p> </p>
format Recurso digital
id zenodo_https___doi_org_10_5281_zenodo_19284048
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publishDate 2026
publisher Zenodo
record_format zenodo
spellingShingle Online Aggression and Trolling Behavior: Role of Anonymity and Deindividuation
Gotkhinde, Sonali Vasant
Keywords: Online aggression, trolling, anonymity, deindividuation, online disinhibition, SIDE model, cyber psychology
<p><strong><em><span>Abstract</span></em></strong></p> <p><em><span>Online aggression and trolling have become persistent features of contemporary digital interaction, shaping individual well-being and the quality of public discourse. This secondary data-based research paper examines how anonymity and deindividuation contribute to online aggression, with a particular focus on the behavior of trolling. Drawing on established psychological frameworks, particularly the Online Disinhibition Effect and the Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effects (SIDE), the paper synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed research and large-scale survey findings. Anonymity is argued to reduce accountability and heighten disinhibition, while deindividuation shifts attention away from personal standards toward situational cues and group norms.<span>  </span>Secondary statistics indicate that online harassment is widespread, with substantial proportions of users reporting direct exposure to name-calling, threats, stalking, and sexual harassment. The synthesis suggests that anonymity does not <span>inevitably</span> produce aggression; rather, it interacts with platform design, perceived norms, peer reinforcement, and individual traits (e.g., sadism/psychopathy). The paper concludes with implications for prevention, including “identity-light but accountability-strong” platform design, norm-setting interventions, and bystander empowerment.</span></em></p> <p> </p>
title Online Aggression and Trolling Behavior: Role of Anonymity and Deindividuation
topic Keywords: Online aggression, trolling, anonymity, deindividuation, online disinhibition, SIDE model, cyber psychology
url https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19284048