Purpose

Trolling has emerged as a significant threat to democracy, information integrity, and online freedom of expression, eroding public trust in democratic institutions and election processes. This paper explores the escalating prominence of trolling activities, particularly in the context of major events like the U.S. presidential election and the "Brexit" referendum. It highlights the extensive reach and influence of trolling on social media platforms, surpassing engagement with traditional news media. The study looks into the background of trolling in the post-conflict society of Northern Ireland. It explores the emergence of distinct trolling actors, referred to as 'Shinnerbots,' and their role in spreading disinformation and misinformation. The paper investigates the motivations behind these social media trolling accounts associated with specific political Irish republican ideologies, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of their prevalence and implications for post-conflict societies worldwide.

Design/Methodology/Approach

This research paper adopts a grounded theory approach to investigate the phenomenon of shinnerbot trolling in post-conflict Northern Ireland, aiming to develop a comprehensive understanding of its dynamics and characteristics. The study utilizes a multi-stage data collection process, involving a sample of 20 digital newspaper articles and 10,000 Twitter comments made by shinnerbots. Through grounded theory coding, recurring patterns and categories related to trolling are identified and analyzed. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact of internet trolling on political discourse and the role of media in shaping public opinion. Furthermore, the concept of saturation is discussed, indicating the point at which data collection and analysis can be concluded. The limitations of the study include sample size constraints, keyword limitations, and potential inaccuracies in sentiment analysis. The analysis of newspaper articles and Twitter comments will provide insights into the categories and narratives surrounding shinnerbot trolling activities, contributing to a better understanding of its implications on political discourse and media influence.

Findings

The grounded theory methodology reveal that shinnerbots have a significant impact on online discussions, spreading disinformation, stifling alternative viewpoints, and promoting an environment of bullying and abuse. These trolling activities have a potential effect on the political landscape and societal dynamics, impacting the integrity of information exchange on political discussions and creating a climate of fear and self-censorship by social media users for fear of retaliation. To address these issues, the study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about shinnerbots' tactics and influence, fostering media literacy skills, and promoting respectful and civil engagement online within the Northern Ireland political landscape. It calls for robust measures to counter disinformation and online abuse while safeguarding freedom of speech and diversity of opinions within the post conflict society such as Northern Ireland. Building bridges between different political groups and fostering dialogue that respects differing perspectives which is crucial for reconciliation and understanding. Furthermore, the research proposes the development of a theoretical framework called "Disinformation Resilience Theory" to guide the understanding and response to disinformation campaigns in post-conflict societies like Northern Ireland. This theory advocates for a multi-faceted approach that integrates online media literacy, government regulatory measures, and trust restoration initiatives focused on the particular challenges of a post conflict society. It highlights the need to educate communities about disinformation tactics, enhance media literacy, improve content moderation on social media platforms, and rebuild public trust in media and information sources.

Practical Implications

The theorical framework can be used to guide the development and implementation of training programs or educational initiatives targeting social media users, journalists, and other stakeholders in post-conflict societies. Policy recommendations based on the study's findings can be disseminated to policymakers and relevant institutions to influence decision-making processes and guide the development of regulations or guidelines related to online political communication and the prevention of trolling behaviours. Collaboration between researchers, social media platforms, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies can be fostered to address the challenges posed by shinnerbot-like activities.