Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

GoLeft TV

(3,912 posts)
Tue Feb 18, 2014, 02:23 PM Feb 2014

Do Not Feed The Trolls

From Ring of Fire:

Psychologists have confirmed that internet trolls are sadistic, narcissistic, Machiavellian, manipulative psychopaths who feed off of negativity for pure enjoyment. Canadian researchers determined that internet trolls are essentially bad people.

The researchers defined trolling as “the practice of behaving in a deceptive, destructive, or disruptive manner in a social setting on the internet.” Less formally, UrbanDictionary.com illustrates the act of trolling and the mentality behind it: “Typically unleashing one or more cynical . . . remarks on an innocent bystander because it’s the internet and, hey, you can.” The only justification trolls have for their behavior is simply doing it for the “lulz,” or sadistic enjoyment at the expense of others.

Using the “Dark Tetrad” personality test, scientists have found that internet trolls exhibit sadistic, narcissistic, Machiavellian (willingness to lie and manipulate), and psychopathic tendencies. And since there aren’t many real world situations that allow people to act on those impulses, the internet has become a breeding ground because of its anonymity.

You can read the full article here at Ring of Fire.

1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Do Not Feed The Trolls (Original Post) GoLeft TV Feb 2014 OP
Muy Ineresante theexwife Jul 2014 #1
Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Bloggers»Do Not Feed The Trolls