The Dark Side of Meme Culture: Arjun Kapoor’s Trolling and the Game of Traction | Kaleem Ullah Fasihi

Abstract

This article examines the negative consequences of unrestrained trolling on social media, where toxic behavior is frequently concealed by memes, normalizing harm and encouraging a cycle of replication. As seen in the recent case of Arjun Kapoor’s trolling, where meme-based trolling caused social disengagement, it draws attention to how content producers take advantage of popular subjects, mirroring broader trends of celebrity stress and loneliness. The analysis, which uses popular individuals like Kapoor, links trolling to mental health issues like anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem, and serious consequences like PTSD or substance misuse. It does this by drawing on studies on mental health. The ensuing rise in cyberbullying, decreased empathy, and decreased real online interaction highlight how urgently platform moderation must be improved in order to mitigate the negative social effects of trolling.

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Social media is an unpredictable place in terms of the range of discussions it offers. From international politics to street fights, from sensationalism to paid posts, it clutters users