The study looked at the association between Dark Tetrad traits — narcissism, sadism, Machiavellianism and psychopath — and those who enjoy dark humor through online trolling.

Some memes and TikTok videos may be funny or tasteless (or both). But for Gen Z users online, experts say dark humor can help them process major news events and protect their mental health.

Fertile periods for dark humor come often in the aftermath of great tragedies such as World War II in Vonnegut and Heller’s case, and the Great Depression, which marked West’s worldview.