Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising platform for immersive experiences, offering transformative potential across various domains. However, the presence of trolls, individuals who engage in disruptive and antagonistic behavior, raises concerns about the transformative nature of VR. This study employs ethnographic methods to explore the phenomenon of VR trolling, shedding light on the motivations, experiences, and impacts of individuals engaging in trolling behavior.

The findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between human behavior, virtual reality, and social dynamics, facilitating the development of strategies to mitigate negative behaviors and enhance transformative experiences in VR environments.

An ethnographic approach was adopted to delve into the subjective experiences and sociocultural context of VR trolls. In-depth interviews were conducted to obtain rich, qualitative data from a diverse range of participants.

Participants are selected based on their history of engaging in or with trolling behavior in VR environments. A purposive sampling technique was employed to ensure representation across different VR platforms, ages, genders, and geographical locations. Ethical considerations were paramount, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted, allowing for flexibility and depth in exploring the motivations, perceptions, and experiences of VR trolls. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for subsequent analysis.