The Psychology of Online Trolls | Ginger Gorman

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There is a troll in all of us. I think no one is able to be absolved of that.
— Ginger Gorman

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Location: Skype
Date: Friday, December 20th 2019
Company: gingergorman.com
Role: Journalist & Author

Since the early internet, there have been internet trolls; ranging from those who throw casual insults and correct grammar to those who will attack a person's livelihood. The most severe, however, is the predatory troll, someone who indulges in harassment, stalking and may even encourage a person to harm themselves or others. 

Predatory trolling can have a devastating impact on people's lives. In some of the most shocking cases, victims have committed suicide. 

When picturing an internet troll most imagine a young, single man in their a dark basement, however, the truth is very different, and many trolls coordinate their efforts. 

Brenton Tarrant carried out the Christchurch mosque shooting after posting a white nationalist rant, and a link to his Facebook live feed on 8chan, a far-right message board that has become notorious for trolls and hate speech. 

In 2013, Ginger Gorman became subject of online abuse and trolling from hateful tweets to messages threatening her and her families lives. Following this abuse, Ginger started researching the world of trolling, and by speaking to psychologists, victims of online trolling and trolls, gained unparalleled insight into the psychology of those who engage in trolling and the impact on the victims.

In this interview, I speak to Ginger Gorman to discuss the psychology behind internet trolling; it's real-life impact and free speech.

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