Internet trolls are psychopaths and sadists, psychologists claim

IMO, the Internet troll I someone who just hops on to disagree only because they want to disagree and not for any other reason. They don't care about the subject and they don't actually have a counterpoint they do believe in and are willing to engage with (or even if they do, they aren't going to bother).

So basically all they do is simply say "Nope, cause I said so, and you suck. That's why."

SayonaraJupiter

InTheLight
reply to post by SayonaraJupiter

 

That hits home, do you mind if I use that image?

That image is fair game, it is in the public domain. archive.org...

I took a screenshot of this old US gov propaganda film from 1949. Definitely go watch this old video. I added the ATS logo in the middle. If you have experience with graphic programs you could make a nicer version of it. I'd encourage you to make your own version of it so that nobody accuses *you* of being *my* sock puppet!!! LOL!!

A lot of confused trolls use these techniques because they are not aware they are spreading pure propaganda. Trolls will continue to use these techniques even after you call them out on it using this 60+ year old training film for high schools.

Super trolls are soooo good at what they do and can use 6 or 7 techniques in a single post. and get about 50 stars for doing it. Watch out for those!

edit on 2/22/2014 by SayonaraJupiter because: (no reason given)

Thanks. I also notice here that some use the technique of accusing the accuser.

"Don't you know that silence supports the accuser's charge?" Sophocles

Basically a bunch of scientists got trolled online by some teenagers and decided to write up a paper using science speak to retaliate against them. Anyone who believes this paper is being trolled.

Krazysh0t
Basically a bunch of scientists got trolled online by some teenagers and decided to write up a paper using science speak to retaliate against them. Anyone who believes this paper is being trolled.

This crossed my mind too. After all, one study does not a trend make, especially in a newly formed social realm still in its infancy.

In a survey conducted by the group of psychologists, people who partake in so-called trolling online showed signs of sadism, psychopathy, and were Machiavellian in their manipulation of others and their disregard for morality.

This pretty much describes our current politicians. And who has more power? The internet troll sounds harmless compared to our dangerous politicians.

To add to the subject, this article,
Why Trolls Start Flame Wars: Swearing and Name-Calling Shut Down the Ability to Think and Focus

The results were both surprising and disturbing. Uncivil comments not only polarized readers, but they often changed a participant’s interpretation of the news story itself.

In the civil group, those who initially did or did not support the technology — whom we identified with preliminary survey questions — continued to feel the same way after reading the comments. Those exposed to rude comments, however, ended up with a much more polarized understanding of the risks connected with the technology.

Simply including an ad hominem attack in a reader comment was enough to make study participants think the downside of the reported technology was greater than they’d previously thought.
Source

The diagnosis of mental disorders is done by a qualified mental health specialist after personal interviews and a thorough study of all pertaining history on that individual. Sometime it may take as many as 3 or perhaps 4 sessions with this individual to make a diagnosis.

Just because someone challenges your theory about holograms planes on 9/11 doesn't make them mentally ill.

As I have pointed out many times here-to no avail it seems-at any one time in America at least 800-1000 Americans are being paid to be contract agents for the CIA. It can be anyone-a teacher, a teenager, clergyman, a homeless person or your next door neighbor. These people aren't out to subvert you, or troll your forums, they simply like the money the agency's pays in an area in which they can only operate through a proxy.

The amount of paranoia displayed by posters here never ceases to amaze me.

Just what are you so afraid of?