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New research suggests that internet trolls are sadists, albeit sub-clinical levels of sadism; not the more extreme forms that are seen in serial killers and criminals.
Buckels [one of the authors] said that the anonymity of the Internet can no doubt provide a dark corner from which to strike. For some users, trolling may also offer the same outlet as do violent video games or movies, providing a dose of vicarious sadism as an alternative to the actual thing.
"Our research suggests that trolls also want to be mean to people in real life," Buckels said. "Perhaps trolling online allows them to satisfy their appetites for cruelty without it creeping into real life."
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Conquering Russia should be done steppe by steppe.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Serial_Priest on Friday April 11 2014, @07:43PM
If I understand TFA correctly (the actual study and associated statistics aren't provided), the researchers posted an online survey that (a) gave respondents the option to self-identify as a "troll" on "comment sites", and (b) asked them a set of leading, all-too-obvious questions (for example, the "detect sadism" option "Hurting people is exciting" is only one step removed from "Are you a sadist?")
Can you think of any respectable troll who would (a) take the survey, and (b) respond honestly?
Trolling, moreover, implies intent. Many simply use the Internet to express their true beliefs and thoughts (sometimes characterized as "hateful" by sheltered researchers) - would these people self-identify as a "troll" simply because they thought and wrote something the researcher found offensive?
True freedom of speech opens the door to words that can break your heart and spirit. Why talk about "trolling" when what's really at issue is the reach of social censorship?