Relationship Between Online Trolling and Dark Tetrad Personality Traits: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Online trolling refers to a specific form of disruptive behavior in digital environments, aimed at interrupting interactions, provoking other users, and drawing them into fruitless arguments. The Dark Tetrad personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism) have been linked to various forms of antisocial behavior in virtual contexts. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted across the PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, and Web of Science Core Collection databases to identify relevant studies examining these variables. A total of 24 relevant articles from 11 countries were identified, comprising a combined sample size of 14,044 participants. Four random-effects meta-analyses were performed using Pearson’s r coefficients. Results: The results reveal a positive association between all four personality traits and greater tendency to engage in online trolling. Meta-regression analyses show that the assessment instruments used moderated some of the observed associations. No evidence of publication bias was detected. Conclusions: In general, the relationship between Dark Tetrad traits and online trolling was found to be positive, helping to explain individual differences in it.