There's no doubt that Buffalo loves their sports teams and will defend them through and through... especially on social media.
But are Buffalo fans the worst trolls when it comes to our sports teams?
One survey says yes.
101greatgoals.com surveyed 3,000 sports fans across the United States to find out which city has the most "notorious online trolls." You know, the fans that love the rile up their opponents!
Buffalo ranked #1 in their survey for having the worst trolls in the country, followed by New York City, Dallas, Atlanta and Pittsburgh.
The survey cites the Bills' Mafia fanbase for earning a reputation for their (as they say) "over-the-top antics" and on digital. They say Bills' fans are quick to jump into heated discussions with bold comments that annoy their rivals.
“Sports rivalries are deeply embedded in American culture, and while trash talk has always been part of the fun, it’s taken on a new life in the digital age,” says Darren Colebrook of 101GreatGoals in a press release. “The data shows that while many fans enjoy engaging in playful debates, it’s important to remember that trolling can quickly escalate into more negative territory. Our survey highlights the need for fans to strike a balance between passionate support for their team and respect for others online. After all, sports are meant to bring people together, even when we’re rooting for opposite sides.”
The survey also found that nearly half of the fans say they laugh off the online banter and that it adds excitement to the game. Twenty two percent say they actively engage with the trolls, while 28% say they ignore it.
You can see how other cities ranked below.
