Abstract

Trolling is a complex and contested form of technology-facilitated violence disproportionately targeting women (UN Women, 2023; Lumsden & Morgan, 2018). This chapter critiques the UK legal definition of trolling using empirical studies whilst considering the ability of media narratives in silencing victims, in their experience of harm (Lumsden, 2017). It explores how trolling, often masked as humour (Chen, 2019), is normalised within online spaces, contributing to cycles of gendered violence and underreporting. The chapter also examines the role of platforms like Tattle.Life in determining victim ‘deservingness’ and the challenges posed by trolling to legislation such as the Online Safety Act 2023 (Doyle, 2025). Ultimately, it argues that online rape culture, online commentary culture, and trolling masked as ‘banter’ have become a normalised attribute to technology-facilitated violence(s).