Date of Award
Spring 5-2017
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Degree Program
Sociology
Department
Sociology
Major Professor
Dr. D'Lane Compton
Second Advisor
Dr. Vern Baxter
Third Advisor
Dr. Ana Croegaert
Abstract
Within recent years, there has been a significant increase in popular commentary on internet trolls and what they mean for online interactions. Significant attention is often paid to framing trolls as individual, pathological, and atypical. While there is much one-sided dialogue occurring in the media, however, the literature on internet trolling remains scarce. This exploratory study contributes to the developing literature by addressing internet trolls directly. Drawing on interviews with a self-identified troll and content analysis, this thesis aims to understand how trolls operate, interact, and make meaning while highlighting the role of identity and emotions. This study finds that internet trolls are highly organized and social, in direct contradiction to the prevailing media narrative.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Paige, "The Art of Discord: Organization and Planning Among Internet Trolls" (2017). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 2368.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/2368
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.