In its purest form, trolling is about manipulating people for one's own enjoyment. That's why "trolling is a art" is such a perfect example of trolling. You're baiting people to get riled up over the fact that "a" was used instead of "an." Trolls may parrot crazy viewpoints, but they're doing it to generate a reaction in other people. As other commentators have already stated, this study doesn't explain trolling; it explains the easiest targets for trolls.
Well just read my post to Kotaku about the Infinity Ward debacle and removal of dedicated servers...
Some folks were "EXTREMELY" opinionated to my rational but assertive comment. #technology
I always thought that trolls belonged to that sad little group of people who feel that any attention is good attention. They can't relate to people in a normal way, so they say random, extreme stuff to get a reaction out of others, because at least they are interacting; never mind that those people want to kill said troll... Isn't that why ignoring them is the best solution? (Although I can't argue with a well-placed image of Donald Sutherland). #technology
@RavenNemain: I think this is true as well [probably both attention seeking and an inherent belief they are ((always?)) right and therefore in the majority]. This behavior predates the internet to be sure. Probably also explains why ingnoring them only ratchets it up a notch #technology
This doesn't explain trolling at all. Trolls purposely pick a position they know is offensive/stupid/unpopular to piss off others. This more accurately describes your company's blowhard who thinks everything he/she agrees with is supported by the entire company.
Everyone knows the best way to deal with these kind of trolls is a well thought out reply, followed by torching the limbs to prevent regeneration. #technology
This study has all of absolutely nothing to do with trolling. Trolling means posting an unpopular or inflammatory opinion for the express purpose of aggravating people.
As for the more generalized form of posting angrily, well... I'm guilty of it occasionally. But the main reason is this: Any argument I have with you, I've had already. I've argued it over, and over, and over, mostly in person. I don't happen to have the saint-like patience required to explain in a helpful and reasonable manner things that I've already explained a hundred times to different people. At some point, It's more satisfying and reasonable to just get your point out and leave them to either hear it or walk past it, especially on the internet, where (science fact incoming) nobody has ever changed anyone else's opinion about anything through debate and discussion. #technology
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/leave Trade #technology
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Some folks were "EXTREMELY" opinionated to my rational but assertive comment. #technology
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Also, properly formatted citations are like chainsaws mixed with flamethrowers to trolls. It's awesome. #technology
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As for the more generalized form of posting angrily, well... I'm guilty of it occasionally. But the main reason is this: Any argument I have with you, I've had already. I've argued it over, and over, and over, mostly in person. I don't happen to have the saint-like patience required to explain in a helpful and reasonable manner things that I've already explained a hundred times to different people. At some point, It's more satisfying and reasonable to just get your point out and leave them to either hear it or walk past it, especially on the internet, where (science fact incoming) nobody has ever changed anyone else's opinion about anything through debate and discussion. #technology
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Some of these people would get stomped straight down to the Mohorovicic Discontinuity if they acted in public like they do online. #technology
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