Anonymity and Gender Effects on Online Trolling and Cybervictimization

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the anonymity of the internet and gender differences in online trolling and cybervictimization. A sample of 151 college students attending a southeastern university completed a survey to assess their internet activities and online trolling and cybervictimization. Multivariate analyses of logistic regression and ordinary least squares regression were used to analyze online trolling and cybervictimization. The results indicated that the anonymity measure was not a significant predictor of online trolling and cybervictimization. Female students were less likely than male students to engage in online trolling, but there was no gender difference in cybervictimization. In addition, the total hours spent on the internet increased the likelihood of the decision of college students to participate in online trolling, but not cybervictimization. Further implications for research related to online trolling and risk factors are discussed