Trolling in the Autistic Community: Insights into Burnout, Masking, and Online Social Dynamics
Background of My Theory
As an autistic educator, consultant, trainer, and coach working primarily in the autistic community, the theories and definitions presented here have developed through extensive experience, particularly with my fellow autistic humans experiencing Autistic Burnout. While trolls do not represent the majority of those in Autistic Burnout, it's noteworthy that the vast majority of trolls I've encountered in my practice were in one of the five levels of Autistic Burnout. Trolling repeatedly surfaced in discussions with individuals describing their experiences of Autistic Burnout, highlighting its significance in this context.
Exploring the Depths of Autistic Burnout and Masking
Autistic Burnout is a critical concept to understand the autistic experience and it sheds light on the lived experiences of many, if not all, autistic humans.
I define Autistic Burnout as follows:
A profound and enduring state of exhaustion paired with a loss of skills and abilities experienced by autistic humans, resulting from the chronic and relentless denial of their fundamental autistic needs, a mismatch between one’s values and needs with reality, and an overabundance of demands and stimuli without sufficient recovery time.
This state is characterized by several interconnected factors, including a continual sense of emotional and sensory overwhelm, a persistent dysregulation of the nervous system, and a profound alienation stemming from camouflaging, not being heard or understood, and at times, encountering disbelief or even hostile responses to one's autistic experiences.
It's not merely about being overwhelmed by day-to-day demands; rather, it originates from a persistent state of masking autistic traits and experiences while navigating a world that doesn't inherently accommodate neurodivergent needs. Autistic Burnout is characterized by profound exhaustion, significant reduction in executive function abilities, and a loss of coping mechanisms that once provided regulation.
My understanding of Autistic Burnout encompasses various levels, each escalating in severity. The deeper levels, particularly levels 4 and 5, are where autistic humans experience the most intense forms of exhaustion and disconnection from themselves and society. It's in these depths that traditional forms of social interaction and self-regulation become ineffective, leading to alternative and sometimes destructive behaviors like trolling.
Masking (or Camouflaging in more academic circles) in autistic humans, often misunderstood, is not just about concealing one's autistic traits. It represents a complex array of strategies employed to meet immediate safety needs in a world that frequently feels alien and threatening. However, these strategies, while at times providing short-term relief, always neglect long-term well-being, pushing autistic humans towards Autistic Burnout. Masking often involves taking on neurotypical behaviors to blend in, suppressing natural responses to maintain social harmony, or forcing oneself to endure uncomfortable situations.
Trolling: A Manifestation of Unmet Needs and Social Strain
In the online autistic community, trolling is a behavior that frequently arises from a place of unmet social and emotional needs. Online trolling is a form of behavior exhibited on the Internet where individuals deliberately provoke, harass, or incite others, typically in online communities or social media platforms, though it can be done in blog form as well. This behavior is characterized by posting inflammatory, false, irrelevant, or offensive comments, messages, accusations, or content, often with the intent of eliciting strong emotional reactions, disrupting normal conversations, or sidetracking discussions. Trolls, the individuals who engage in trolling, often seek attention, create conflict, or derive amusement at the expense of others' discomfort or distress. Trolling can range from seemingly harmless pranks to serious harassment, and it often thrives on the anonymity and distance provided by digital interactions, allowing trolls to act without immediate repercussions or accountability.
A "troll army" refers to a group of individuals on the internet who band together to engage in trolling – the act of deliberately provoking, harassing, or inciting others online. These groups coordinate their efforts to amplify their impact, targeting specific individuals, online communities, or social media platforms. The members of a troll army often share similar goals or ideologies, which can range from relatively benign pranks to serious and coordinated campaigns of harassment and bullying. They are united in wanting to cause psychological harm to others for their benefit.
This behavior is not inherent to being autistic, nor limited to autistic humans, but is a response to the intense pressures of masking and the cumulative stress of Autistic Burnout. According to my theory based on observation and interviews, those who engage in trolling are almost always in a state of deep Nervous System dysregulation, struggling to find ways to express their frustrations and to connect with others. While one can be dysregulated and not in Autistic Burnout, all autistic humans in Autistic Burnout are in a state of chronic dysregulation.
Individuals who resort to trolling typically experience significant emotional turmoil. This turmoil is a byproduct of the chronic stress and exhaustion characteristic of Autistic Burnout. In their quest for control and safety, these individuals often unconsciously adopt neurotypical power dynamics, resorting to bullying as a means of exerting influence or asserting dominance.
In this state of dysregulation, some autistic humans revert to neurotypical social norms and power ideals, adopting bullying behaviors to mimic control and power. This adoption of neurotypical norms is a form of masking that involves taking on behaviors seen as dominant in neurotypical circles, leading to harmful actions like trolling, where aggressive or demeaning behavior is directed towards others.
In the autistic community, those who become targets of trolling and bullying are often deeply affected by these hostile interactions. These victims typically fall into two categories: individuals who are openly struggling with their own burnout and those who appear to be managing well. The former are targeted due to their perceived vulnerability and visible struggles, making them an easier mark for bullies looking to assert control. The latter group is often chosen out of envy or resentment, as the bully perceives them as leading more successful or less challenging lives. This envy is rooted in a misguided sense of superiority and a desire to bring others down to their level of distress.
The impact on these victims can be profound, leading to heightened stress, a worsening of burnout symptoms, and a further sense of isolation. This dynamic highlights the need for increased awareness and support within the autistic community to protect and empower those who are vulnerable to such harmful behaviors.
Trolling as a Misguided Search for Connection
For those deeply affected by Autistic Burnout, trolling can be a distorted attempt at interaction or a way to express bottled-up frustrations. It's a reflection of their struggle to find meaningful and safe ways to connect within the community, especially when conventional methods of socializing become ineffective due to exhaustion and sensory overload. Neurotypical society often praises bullies and bullying behavior, it is almost “natural” that this will be where autistic humans who are heavily masking will revert to.
Trolling within the autistic community is a multifaceted issue reflecting deeper struggles with emotional dysregulation, burnout, and masking. It signals a need for empathetic understanding and effective support. Addressing the underlying causes of trolling is crucial, and by providing support that respects the individuality of each autistic human, we can help foster healthier ways of interaction and enhance the overall well-being of the autistic community.
In my role as an autistic educator, the recurring theme of trolling among those in burnout has been illuminating. It underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of autistic experiences, especially in the context of burnout. Recognizing and addressing these complexities can pave the way for more effective interventions and a deeper understanding of the autistic experience.
This article is informed by my professional and personal experiences within the autistic community. It is intended to provide insights into autistic experiences and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
