General discussion about the latest news (not search related)

[stephen25000]

PUBLIC RELEASE: 2-MAR-2017
Exploring the world of the Madeleine McCann trolls
UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD

A DECADE has passed since the disappearance of toddler Madeleine McCann on holiday in Portugal, but activity online regarding the case is constant, with some of this commentary being directed in the form of abuse, a behaviour commonly referred to as 'trolling'. It is estimated that every hour there are more than 100 tweets posted using the McCann hashtag.

Now, University of Huddersfield psychology researchers have entered the world of internet trolls and their abusive, aggressive language, directed towards those who disagree with them. Described in a new journal article, the project has led to a call for measures - including an end to pseudonyms on Twitter - that would curb the anonymity that enables cyber-trolling.

The work is featured in an online editorial headed The dark side of social media for the prestigious journal, Nature, and the research reinforces newly-revealed UK Government plans to curb cyber abuse.

The University of Huddersfield's Dr John Synnott - who co-authored the new article in Computers in Human Behaviour - commented that: "It is encouraging to see that ministers have called the major social media platforms to Whitehall to demand that they do more to protect people online from cyber bullying and trolling or face sanctions. This is a step in the right direction by making these platforms responsible for negative behaviour that they unfortunately enable."

"There is absolutely a need for such precautions," continued Dr Synnott. "Trolls are hiding behind the facility to be anonymous, which Twitter enables to a certain degree. Our research can contribute to an understanding and a reduction in trolling behaviour and one of the main interpretations is that the level of anonymity provided by certain social networking sites is a massive enabler."

A key discovery of the research conducted by Dr Synnott, his Huddersfield colleague Dr Maria Ioannou and postgraduate student Andria Coulias, is that far from operating in isolation - as has usually been argued - trolls form "anti-social networks" that reinforce their behaviour. Also, media reports that condemn the trolls' actions have the effect of "showering them with the very attention they appear to covet".

Trailing the trolls

Dr Synnott is Assistant Director of the University of Huddersfield's MSc in Investigative Psychology - Dr Ioannou is Course Director - and as a regular user of social media sites he developed an interest in trolling and the psychology behind it

The sheer volume of tweets by the anti-McCann group - and by supporters of Madeleine's parents - meant that it would be an excellent case study. A sample of 400 McCann-related tweets obtained from 37 user accounts and containing a total of 7,600 words was analysed by the research team. The article describing the project contains samples of the abusive, often illiterate language used by trolls.

It was found that "the insults and abuse levelled at both the McCanns and the pro-McCann users were constant, repetitive, and in clear violation of Twitter policies, though user accounts were rarely suspended".

The theme of motherhood implied a strong female presence in the anti-McCann group, whereas earlier research has suggested that trolls are mostly male, because of frequent misogynistic sentiments.

"This is stage one of this research," said Dr Synnott. "The paper doesn't attempt to take a position on the case, but rather aims to explore trolling behaviour in general. The McCann group was the most obvious place for us to start. Stage two, which is currently in development, will be an analysis of the Pro-McCann group, to explore any differences or similarities between them."

The article concludes that "the damaging impact the McCann trolls' behaviour has had on those victimised" makes necessary "the continuation of research exploiting the ways in which aggressive forms of trolling materialise, so that we might consequently establish ways in which to effectively deal with them".


* The article, Online trolling: The case of Madeleine McCann, by Dr John Synnott, Andria Coulias and Dr Maria Ioannou, is in the latest issue of Computers in Human Behavior.

Now, has this person examined the Mccann supporting trolls ?

There is an extensive dossier of their behaviour, in their idolatry of the Mccann's.

It would make an interesting psychological study, to put it mildly.

[misty]

Now, has this person examined the Mccann supporting trolls ?

There is an extensive dossier of their behaviour, in their idolatry of the Mccann's.

It would make an interesting psychological study, to put it mildly.

There are so few of us a study would provide little data whereas there are thousands of the sceptics. 

[Alfie]

Now, has this person examined the Mccann supporting trolls ?

There is an extensive dossier of their behaviour, in their idolatry of the Mccann's.

It would make an interesting psychological study, to put it mildly.

"Stage two, which is currently in development, will be an analysis of the Pro-McCann group, to explore any differences or similarities between them."

[misty]

Which really means people who can the Mccann's for what they are.

If you'd read the article in full you'd have seen the answer to your previous question, Stephen. TDIITD.

ETA you beat me to it, Alfie.

[stephen25000]

"Stage two, which is currently in development, will be an analysis of the Pro-McCann group, to explore any differences or similarities between them."

Such as Pamela Gurney. 

[Brietta]

If you'd read the article in full you'd have seen the answer to your previous question, Stephen. TDIITD.

ETA you beat me to it, Alfie.

   &%+((£  Seems everyone has read it but Stephen

[Alice Purjorick]

PUBLIC RELEASE: 2-MAR-2017
Exploring the world of the Madeleine McCann trolls
UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD

A DECADE has passed since the disappearance of toddler Madeleine McCann on holiday in Portugal, but activity online regarding the case is constant, with some of this commentary being directed in the form of abuse, a behaviour commonly referred to as 'trolling'. It is estimated that every hour there are more than 100 tweets posted using the McCann hashtag.

Now, University of Huddersfield psychology researchers have entered the world of internet trolls and their abusive, aggressive language, directed towards those who disagree with them. Described in a new journal article, the project has led to a call for measures - including an end to pseudonyms on Twitter - that would curb the anonymity that enables cyber-trolling.

The work is featured in an online editorial headed The dark side of social media for the prestigious journal, Nature, and the research reinforces newly-revealed UK Government plans to curb cyber abuse.

The University of Huddersfield's Dr John Synnott - who co-authored the new article in Computers in Human Behaviour - commented that: "It is encouraging to see that ministers have called the major social media platforms to Whitehall to demand that they do more to protect people online from cyber bullying and trolling or face sanctions. This is a step in the right direction by making these platforms responsible for negative behaviour that they unfortunately enable."

"There is absolutely a need for such precautions," continued Dr Synnott. "Trolls are hiding behind the facility to be anonymous, which Twitter enables to a certain degree. Our research can contribute to an understanding and a reduction in trolling behaviour and one of the main interpretations is that the level of anonymity provided by certain social networking sites is a massive enabler."

A key discovery of the research conducted by Dr Synnott, his Huddersfield colleague Dr Maria Ioannou and postgraduate student Andria Coulias, is that far from operating in isolation - as has usually been argued - trolls form "anti-social networks" that reinforce their behaviour. Also, media reports that condemn the trolls' actions have the effect of "showering them with the very attention they appear to covet".

Trailing the trolls

Dr Synnott is Assistant Director of the University of Huddersfield's MSc in Investigative Psychology - Dr Ioannou is Course Director - and as a regular user of social media sites he developed an interest in trolling and the psychology behind it

The sheer volume of tweets by the anti-McCann group - and by supporters of Madeleine's parents - meant that it would be an excellent case study. A sample of 400 McCann-related tweets obtained from 37 user accounts and containing a total of 7,600 words was analysed by the research team. The article describing the project contains samples of the abusive, often illiterate language used by trolls.

It was found that "the insults and abuse levelled at both the McCanns and the pro-McCann users were constant, repetitive, and in clear violation of Twitter policies, though user accounts were rarely suspended".

The theme of motherhood implied a strong female presence in the anti-McCann group, whereas earlier research has suggested that trolls are mostly male, because of frequent misogynistic sentiments.

"This is stage one of this research," said Dr Synnott. "The paper doesn't attempt to take a position on the case, but rather aims to explore trolling behaviour in general. The McCann group was the most obvious place for us to start. Stage two, which is currently in development, will be an analysis of the Pro-McCann group, to explore any differences or similarities between them."

The article concludes that "the damaging impact the McCann trolls' behaviour has had on those victimised" makes necessary "the continuation of research exploiting the ways in which aggressive forms of trolling materialise, so that we might consequently establish ways in which to effectively deal with them".


* The article, Online trolling: The case of Madeleine McCann, by Dr John Synnott, Andria Coulias and Dr Maria Ioannou, is in the latest issue of Computers in Human Behavior.

There are no earth shattering disoveries there then; except perhaps the motherhood theme.

[slartibartfast]

PUBLIC RELEASE: 2-MAR-2017
Exploring the world of the Madeleine McCann trolls
UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD

A DECADE has passed since the disappearance of toddler Madeleine McCann on holiday in Portugal, but activity online regarding the case is constant, with some of this commentary being directed in the form of abuse, a behaviour commonly referred to as 'trolling'. It is estimated that every hour there are more than 100 tweets posted using the McCann hashtag.

Now, University of Huddersfield psychology researchers have entered the world of internet trolls and their abusive, aggressive language, directed towards those who disagree with them. Described in a new journal article, the project has led to a call for measures - including an end to pseudonyms on Twitter - that would curb the anonymity that enables cyber-trolling.

The work is featured in an online editorial headed The dark side of social media for the prestigious journal, Nature, and the research reinforces newly-revealed UK Government plans to curb cyber abuse.

The University of Huddersfield's Dr John Synnott - who co-authored the new article in Computers in Human Behaviour - commented that: "It is encouraging to see that ministers have called the major social media platforms to Whitehall to demand that they do more to protect people online from cyber bullying and trolling or face sanctions. This is a step in the right direction by making these platforms responsible for negative behaviour that they unfortunately enable."

"There is absolutely a need for such precautions," continued Dr Synnott. "Trolls are hiding behind the facility to be anonymous, which Twitter enables to a certain degree. Our research can contribute to an understanding and a reduction in trolling behaviour and one of the main interpretations is that the level of anonymity provided by certain social networking sites is a massive enabler."

A key discovery of the research conducted by Dr Synnott, his Huddersfield colleague Dr Maria Ioannou and postgraduate student Andria Coulias, is that far from operating in isolation - as has usually been argued - trolls form "anti-social networks" that reinforce their behaviour. Also, media reports that condemn the trolls' actions have the effect of "showering them with the very attention they appear to covet".

Trailing the trolls

Dr Synnott is Assistant Director of the University of Huddersfield's MSc in Investigative Psychology - Dr Ioannou is Course Director - and as a regular user of social media sites he developed an interest in trolling and the psychology behind it

The sheer volume of tweets by the anti-McCann group - and by supporters of Madeleine's parents - meant that it would be an excellent case study. A sample of 400 McCann-related tweets obtained from 37 user accounts and containing a total of 7,600 words was analysed by the research team. The article describing the project contains samples of the abusive, often illiterate language used by trolls.

It was found that "the insults and abuse levelled at both the McCanns and the pro-McCann users were constant, repetitive, and in clear violation of Twitter policies, though user accounts were rarely suspended".

The theme of motherhood implied a strong female presence in the anti-McCann group, whereas earlier research has suggested that trolls are mostly male, because of frequent misogynistic sentiments.

"This is stage one of this research," said Dr Synnott. "The paper doesn't attempt to take a position on the case, but rather aims to explore trolling behaviour in general. The McCann group was the most obvious place for us to start. Stage two, which is currently in development, will be an analysis of the Pro-McCann group, to explore any differences or similarities between them."

The article concludes that "the damaging impact the McCann trolls' behaviour has had on those victimised" makes necessary "the continuation of research exploiting the ways in which aggressive forms of trolling materialise, so that we might consequently establish ways in which to effectively deal with them".


* The article, Online trolling: The case of Madeleine McCann, by Dr John Synnott, Andria Coulias and Dr Maria Ioannou, is in the latest issue of Computers in Human Behavior.

We've already had that one.

[Brietta]

Madeleine McCann's parents subjected to 150 abusive tweets a DAY from online trolls
Psychologist Dr John Synott has carried out the first study of its kind on trolls and found their “whole existence relies on social media accounts”
BYTOM PETTIFOR
18:35, 3 MAR 2017

Up to 150 abusive tweets about Maddie McCann’s parents are posted by online trolls every day, researchers have estimated.

Psychologist Dr John Synott has carried out the first study of its kind on trolls and found their “whole existence relies on social media accounts”.


He is calling for to end the right to anonymously troll strangers on Twitter.

Dr Synott said: “Most trolling behaviour has a lifespan of a couple of days. This has gone on for ten years, and you cannot see it ever ending. That is the legacy of the McCann case.

“In the physical world there are repercussions. You couldn’t get away with saying these things in the street. But in the virtual world there are no consequences.”

Three-year-old Maddie disappeared from the family’s holiday apartment in Portugal in 2007. Twitter trolls blame parents’ Kate and Gerry and discuss the case constantly.

Dr Synott has been interested in the McCann trolling ever since he first saw it at work in about 2012.

He said: “It was somewhat organised, it was repetitive, but the volume of information was the real surprising thing.”

The University of Huddersfield researchers want pseudonyms which enable cyber trolling to be prevented from being used on Twitter.

Dr Synott said: “It is encouraging to see ministers have called the major social media platforms to Whitehall to demand they do more to protect people online from cyber bullying and trolling or face sanctions.

His study published in Computers in Human Behaviour has been featured in an editorial headed ‘The dark side of social media’ for the prestigious journal, Nature.

It reinforces newly-revealed UK Government plans to curb cyber abuse.

Dr Synott said: “We found there were between 100 and 150 abusive comments on Twitter, Facebook and McCann messageboards every day.”

Dr Synott is now planning to extend the research by analysing the pro McCann camp.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/madeleine-mccanns-parents-subjected-150-9960117

[stephen25000]

Now let's if he deals with the extreme McCann supporters.

Supplying the relevant data to him will not be any problem.

[Brietta]

Now let's if he deals with the extreme McCann supporters.

Supplying the relevant data to him will not be any problem.

The researchers appear to be perfectly capable of carrying out their own research ... the beauty of which will be the impartiality of their report.
Who knows where it will lead ... but interesting nonetheless.

[stephen25000]

The researchers appear to be perfectly capable of carrying out their own research ... the beauty of which will be the impartiality of their report.
Who knows where it will lead ... but interesting nonetheless.

Impartiality, would have been to treat both extremes at the same side.

I don't see it being done as regards Mccann supporters, but that can be amended.

[Brietta]

Impartiality, would have been to treat both extremes at the same side.

I don't see it being done as regards Mccann supporters, but that can be amended.

In my opinion the tweeting trolls pursuing the McCanns are going come out of any independent research very badly.

I rather suspect you may share that thought ... as you are already calling the impartiality of this one into question.

[stephen25000]

In my opinion the tweeting trolls pursuing the McCanns are going come out of any independent research very badly.

I rather suspect you may share that thought ... as you are already calling the impartiality of this one into question.

Impartiality Brietta, would be to tackle both ends of the spectrum.

Make no mistake, the 'behaviour' of the extreme McCann supporters has been catalogued, and to put it mildly would make an interesting psychological study.

[Brietta]

Impartiality Brietta, would be to tackle both ends of the spectrum.

Make no mistake, the 'behaviour' of the extreme McCann supporters has been catalogued, and to put it mildly would make an interesting psychological study.

Dr John Synott appears to have a wealth of material to be going on with ... and in my opinion, his study may well have repercussions for social media as a whole if not the more maniacal trolls as individuals.