“It might be said that online trolls are prototypical everyday sadists"

[kpete]

There is now scientific evidence that Internet trolls are indeed just as mean in their private lives as they are in their digital ones, and it appears the driving force behind their trolling is good old-fashion sadism.

The research comes from a team out of Canada from multiple universities who put their findings rather bluntly. “It might be said that online trolls are prototypical everyday sadists,” the investigators state.

In other words, Internet trolls are not the nicest people in the world, but they are as old as time.

.....................

We all know a troll when we see one; it’s that person who drives the discussion off-topic, the person who says something so egregious you know they are baiting someone for a response, and when they get that response they latch on and never let go.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/research-suggests-sadism-spurs-internet-trolls-022314
http://globalnews.ca/news/1157137/internet-trolls-are-sadists-and-psychopaths-canadian-study/

[RKP5637]

1. I definitely think so! n/t

[RC]

2. Imagine that. Whoda thunk it?

I think we can all name a few in good standing around here.

Good find. Thank you.

[In_The_Wind]

3. Well duh! I could have told you that without a study.

[RC]

4. Well, I guess proof is not too popular around here.

Where is everybody? Why aren't they here denying or giving excuses for why this can't be true?

[Jesus Malverde]

5. Hard to generalize about trolls.

A DU troll might start a gender thread. Not out of hate but maybe they like the attention and excitement of a debate. Motivated by boredom or loneliness.

A 4chan troll might post on the Facebook wall of a girl who died mocking her and her parents.

The latter might better fit the definition of the sadist troll.

[RC]

7. There are a few that fit the definition of the sadist troll here on DU also.

They are the major reason of the blow-ups lately in General Discussion, when they drag their protected Safe Haven mentality into General Discussion. For some reason it doesn't fly very well when exposed to the general population.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

6. I've met some of the people who post trollish things on the Internet

They're jerks in real life, too.

[Skittles]

9. when you see me post DONE HERE

it's because I know arguing with an asshole is a waste of time