Who sparks online flames? A personality-based investigation using scenario-based measures of flaming behavior

Introduction With internet flaming emerging as a prominent social issue, strategies for addressing it are increasingly needed. Despite various countermeasures, the issue remains under-addressed due to a predominant focus on post-hoc responses rather than proactive interventions. This study explores personality traits that may be associated with a higher likelihood of initiating internet flaming, with the goal of providing preliminary insights that may help inform future preventive approaches. Methods Two large-scale questionnaire surveys, with 3,040 participants in total, were conducted. Results The findings provide insights into psychological factors that contribute to internet flaming and indicate trait patterns that tend to appear among individuals who play central roles in such incidents. Discussion By examining psychological characteristics associated with internet flaming, this study offers an initial step toward building safer online spaces. While the predictive power of the models was limited, the results highlight potential directions for future research on personality-informed approaches to online conflict, complementing existing reactive strategies.