Disruptive online communication: How asymmetric trolling-like response strategies steer conversation off the track

Abstract Internet trolling, a form of antisocial online behavior, is serious problem plaguing social media. Skillful trolls can lure entire communities into degenerative and polarized discussions that continue endlessly. From analysis data gathered in accordance with established classifications trolling-like the paper presents conversation interaction strategies disrupt discussions. The authors argue troll-like users exploit other users’ desire for common grounding – i.e., joint maintenance mutual understanding seeking conversational closure by responding asymmetrically. Their responses to others deviate from expectations typical paired actions turn-taking. These asymmetries, described through examples three such behaviors ignoring, mismatching, challenging lead dissatisfactory interactions, they subvert clarification explanation contra-normative behavior. By avoiding clarifications, easily capture unsuspecting attention manage prolong futile conversations interminably. Through analysis, connects asymmetric response concrete addresses implications this nonconformist behavior social-media venues.