Developing an Online Trolling Behavior Scale and investigating awareness of trolling behavior

The aim of this study was to develop an online trolling behavior scale and to examine awareness of trolling behavior. Data were collected through online measurement tools developed by the researcher. A total of 1524 people (896 women and 628 men), aged 12-62, participated in the study. In the analysis of the data, "Mann-Withney U"and "Kruskal-Wallis" tests and content analysis method were used. In the scope of the study, an online trolling behavior scale consisting of 22 items, which meets the validity and reliability criteria, was developed. As a result of the data analysis, it was found that trolling behaviors differ significantly according to various variables. According to findings, men do more online trolling behaviors than women. Trolling behaviors are mostly seen in the 12-18 age range, at lowest in the 37-62 age range, the highest level of people with high school education level and the lowest is with people with doctorate education level. Reactions to trolls differ significantly according to gender and education level. While women prefer to block trolls, men behave to correct the information they share. According to the participant views, trolls are people who trick and annoy users and directing the masses with unreal shares. Depending on the results obtained, it is recommended that digital media literacy is integrated into the curricula in order to easily identify troll shares and know how to react towards them, to create content that will raise awareness about trolls.