Internet Trolls are actually Sadists

Who knew but a study in republished in TIME concludes that internet trolls aren't just having a bit of fun. They actually have fundamental issues like showing psychopathic, sadist. I'm unwilling to tar every troll with that brush but I do think the article has a point in some cases.

So, what do you think of the study?

And, possibly more entertaining; Which issues do you think our most famous TSR trolls have?

Full Article Here:http://newsfeed.time.com/2014/02/13/internet-trolls-are-actually-sadists-study-finds/

Here's a way better more in depth article: http://http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/02/16/trolls-just-want-to-have-fun/

Unfortunately the full study is behind a paywall or I would link that too.

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 1

Ripper-Roo

Maybe people who do it every day for years and years and set out to hurt people. But I think everyone trolls sometimes just for fun if they're a bit bored.

Reply 2

Ggmu!

Yes, I am a sadist for sure. This magazine knows me so well.

Reply 3

username1315644

I can't open the link for some reason. Regardless, I'm dubious. Does the article mean troll in the sense people not wearing corduroy mean it, or in the misguided sense most news outlets use it. Often using it to describe people issuing death and rape threats pretty much just harassment which isn't trolling.

Reply 4

Wattsy

I've fixed the link and I don't know how they've defined troll. Quite possibly in the media way, the more nuanced the troll the less likely they are to be a raving loony I would guess.

Reply 5

Chlorophile

Since the definition of trolling in the media appears to be different in every single article, I don't think this study is particularly valid.

Reply 6

Wattsy

Original post by Chlorophile

Since the definition of trolling in the media appears to be different in every single article, I don't think this study is particularly valid.

It's not a media study remember, they did ask a series of questions when they surveyed people, some of which 'yes' answers to did make the participants sound devoid of all morality but in general I think the questions were more geared towards our version of a troll rather than the GTA V version.

Trolling is a art

To troll is to live.

As above I would like to know the definition of trolling

I mean there is a massive difference between going on some kid who's just died of cancer's, memorial page on fb and leaving upsetting comments for his/her family to read, and making some inflammatory comments because it is really rather entertaining to see how people respond.

Reply 10

Yakob

Just watching an entire thread get derailed and explode into hate from a single comment you made is something everyone should experience.

There is no finer pleasure.

Reply 11

simon_g

mass-media's definition of "troll" has nothing to do with the real one.
trolling is a, for example, throwing troll-bait and watching people arguing about it- been there, done that. It's always funny :smile:

telling someone (constantly, in a personalized message) to kill themself etc isn't really trolling (btw, every time I hear about someone commiting suicide for being "trolled"- I mean, seriously? If you were so p*ssy you could be offended by some strangers on the net, maybe it's better you are no longer).

Reply 12

The High Priest

What is wrong with sadism? Who are you to judge?

Reply 13

The High Priest

Original post by simon_g

You are wrong. It is not right that people have to deal with that hate and bull****.

Reply 14

simon_g

Original post by The High Priest

You are wrong. It is not right that people have to deal with that hate and bull****.

I've never said it was OK to do so. It is not.
But, from the other hand, in case of internet bullying- it's rather hard to sympathise with the "victims"- I mean, seriously, if you are being bullied on, let say, facebook- than delete the account. Same goes for other websites.