WHAT DRIVES A TROLL?

It's easier than ever for bullies to attack strangers. We explore what has become a growing menace in the digital age

- JOHANNA BELL

Imagine uploading a photo of yourself to social media. You feel confident and people begin to comment on how great you look. But then you notice some negativity – a few comments saying that you’re ugly, unattractive. Then imagine others joining in, taunting you, making you feel worthless.

This form of online abuse is trolling and it doesn’t just affect celebrities – it can impact anyone on social media. Trolling is when a person comments online to bait people, deliberately provoking an argument or an emotional reaction. And it’s easy to find yourself a perpetrator without even realising it.

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Whether it’s commenting that you don’t like a celebrity’s outfit, or posting something negative about a politician online, if your intent is to get a rise out of a person, it counts as abuse. Loose Women favourite Denise Welch hit back at bullies who attempted to shame her online about her journey to sobriety. And recently, footballer Declan Rice’s partner, Lauren Fryer, deleted all her Instagram pictures after receiving a barrage of abuse online over her appearance.

The Online Safety Act, which became law in October, gives courts the power to jail trolls for up to five years. Despite this deterrent, though, online bullies are still rife and often strike when people are at their most vulnerable.

Tracey Patterson was going through one of the most painful experiences imaginable when her husband, Barrington (a former MMA fighter and kickboxer) died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 56, in March 2022. But while she was still grieving, someone began tagging her in the comments section of local news articles about his death. When Tracey read the comments, such as, ‘Serves him right’, she was horrified that anyone could be so nasty.