AN ACCOUNT OF FLAMING ON DUTCH MESSAGE BOARDS

This study explores the connection between personal characteristics (demographics, attitudes, personality) and motives to engage in flaming on several of the best visited Dutch message boards. Flaming, as defined by Moor, is done by displaying hostility by insulting, swearing or using otherwise offensive language. Aside from flamers, receivers of flames and “innocent bystanders” (who neither send nor are the aim of a flame) are also questioned on their attitudes towards flaming. The results show that the typical flamer is a man doing it for his amusement or pass time. Personality traits are also found to influence flaming motives and the majority of flames come from a small group of flamers who get great satisfaction out of flaming. Flaming occurs on every message board, regardless of topic.