Judging Fairness, Fueling Conflict: The Role of Personality and Bias in Online and Offline Aggression

Abstract

Numerous divisive profiles on social media contribute to disinformation, hate speech, and the recruitment of individuals into extremist beliefs. Unlike past eras, today’s influence is global, resulting in minimal restrictions on viewing and amplifying harmful content. This study uniquely examined people’s connections— and disconnections—with others by focusing on beliefs about deservingness, the (mis)use of social media, and trolling behavior. No prior research has integrated these three elements to enhance people’s understanding of deservingness beliefs in social and online contexts. The primary aim of this study was to develop a measure of divisive identity and create a potential profile of individuals exhibiting divisive traits. This measure could inform strategies to address the challenges posed by such behaviors in the modern interconnected world. Keywords: deservingness, divisive traits, social media, trolling behavior