A1 Journal article (refereed)
Trolligans : Conceptual Links Between Trolling and Hooliganism in Sports and Esports (2023)

Cook, C. L., Karhulahti, V.-M., Harrison, G., & Bowman, N. D. (2023). Trolligans : Conceptual Links Between Trolling and Hooliganism in Sports and Esports. Communication and Sport, OnlineFirst. https://doi.org/10.1177/21674795231153005

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Cook, Christine L.; Karhulahti, Vei-Matti; Harrison, Guy; Bowman, Nicholas D.

Journal or series: Communication and Sport

ISSN: 2167-4795

eISSN: 2167-4809

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 01/02/2023

Volume: OnlineFirst

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/21674795231153005

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: Channel is not openly available

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86153

Abstract

Both game-based trolling and hooliganism have existed in some form since the inception of online gaming and professional sports respectively. The two share many characteristics: provocation of an opposing entity, the tendency to taunt or trash-talk others based on their social or individual identity, and disruptive and/or destructive behaviour. However, despite this and the increasing similarity between the worlds of traditional sports and esports, research on the two negatively perceived phenomena has remained largely separate. The present article aims to both link and distinguish the two types of behaviour in terms of what motivates them, the agents involved, and the spaces in which they take place. By drawing from communication theories and cases described as both hooliganism and trolling in professional sports and esports settings, we (a) refine the definition of trolling in light of hooliganism, (b) discuss practical implications for the future health of esports communities, and (c) explore deviance as inherent entertainment in mediatised sporting events. Suggestions for future collaborative research between trolling and hooliganism specialists are also included.

Keywords: sports; professional sports; electronic sports; harassment; ridicule; online trolling; communication theories; definitions

Free keywords: conceputal; definitions; esports; hooliganism; online behavior; policing; trolling

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1