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Science Is In: Trolls Are Psychopaths


PhuturePriest

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PhuturePriest

In the past few years, the science of Internet trollology has made some strides. Last year, for instance, we learned that by hurling insults and inciting discord in online comment sections, so-called Internet trolls (who are frequently anonymous) have a polarizing effect on audiences, leading to politicization, rather than deeper understanding of scientific topics.

That’s bad, but it’s nothing compared with what a new psychology paper has to say about the personalities of trolls themselves. The research, conducted by Erin Buckels of the University of Manitoba and two colleagues, sought to directly investigate whether people who engage in trolling are characterized by personality traits that fall in the so-called Dark Tetrad: Machiavellianism (willingness to manipulate and deceive others), narcissism (egotism and self-obsession), psychopathy (the lack of remorse and empathy), and sadism (pleasure in the suffering of others).

 

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/climate_desk/2014/02/internet_troll_personality_study_machiavellianism_narcissism_psychopathy.html

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Machiavellianism (willingness to manipulate and deceive others), narcissism (egotism and self-obsession), psychopathy (the lack of remorse and empathy), and sadism (pleasure in the suffering of others).

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/climate_desk/2014/02/internet_troll_personality_study_machiavellianism_narcissism_psychopathy.html


Sounds about right...
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Now with that said as one that trolls on an innocent level, should I stop? Is it bad for me, or Hasan or any other Troll to troll?

I would say no, as long as it does not turn hurtful for the recipient.

 

and an interesting view on the discussion of trolls: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHSSNyIlAps&feature=share&list=PL69BD06CC757E1D61&index=3

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ChristinaTherese

I like our resident trolls. Good for a laugh sometimes and other times great discussion (or just looking and saying "Oh, whatever, it's just Hasan being himself." which is sometimes warranted). On the other hand, people who come in looking like their just looking to fight I don't take to as kindly. There's something about being a stranger on the internet that's just too anonymous sometimes.

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PhuturePriest

I like our resident trolls. Good for a laugh sometimes and other times great discussion (or just looking and saying "Oh, whatever, it's just Hasan being himself." which is sometimes warranted). On the other hand, people who come in looking like their just looking to fight I don't take to as kindly. There's something about being a stranger on the internet that's just too anonymous sometimes.

 

There's a difference between Hasan here making jokes about topics and possibly making people angry, and purposefully bullying someone.

 

Hassan is so funny. Hahaha

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