Psychology of the Internet Troll

35 thoughts on “Psychology of the Internet Troll”

1. I think government benefits that don’t require any work or responsibility on the part of the recipients are bad. People have too much time on their hands. They see no value in an education or in working hard– why bother if you get paid no matter what you do? Sure, we can help the poor, but what would be wrong with expecting something in return? People feel entitled to things without earning them. They start to see other people in terms of how they can use them. It’s not the only cause, but it’s part of the problem. We have generations now who have only lived off benefits and never held a job. But how will they get jobs? I have two degrees and need a new job because of changes in Medicare reimbursements– nothing has turned up yet. It will. I have skills and professionalism. These people with hardly any education, rude manners, and no work ethic– who is going to hire them? We created this mess, but it’s hard to see a way out of it.

2. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Marc!
   Some people choose a teacher for their kid based on how well the teacher plays instead of how well he can teach. When I interviewed to give music lessons at a music store back in 1990 I brought my instruments expecting an audition. John (the owner) didn’t even have me play. He said he knew I could play, but could I teach? He was interested in my education courses and told me I would be using what I learned. Then he taught me how to teach– a process that continued the whole time I worked for him. He used to be a teacher, so he knew.
   It’s fine to say “piano major preferred”– but this family was really insulting. Even if they change their mind I won’t work for them.
   Their loss! I started a with flute student a couple months ago, and the transformation in her playing has been remarkable.
   What these rude jerks don’t realize is that their behavior ends up costing them the most.

3. I feel decent people should confront trolls if the comment is posted. We need to embarrass them with sound argument if possible. That is the way I feel anyway. There is an argument that we should ignore them, as they like to wind up people, but I prefer to have my say.

4. Yes, I agree that there is a general degradation of standards in society. A lack of manners and respect. I don’t know if the internet is partly to blame or a breakdown in family and generally added stresses due to increased competition (more people).

5. Absolutely Michael, they insult most peoples decency with their vile behaviour. I remember wading around with some pond life Trolls ages ago after I stumbled on another blog through PoC and I was quite pleased when it became obvious that I had got their backs up big style 🙂 I’m going to be honest it was upsetting because they were talking about cat cruelty however I waded in and I was pleased with my work. They were just complete low life Morons just like Woody.

6. I think it is a part of something bigger and it is growing. Certain individuals in society seem to thrive on being gross, threatening, rude and uncooperative. Lack of manners and respect in some sadly seems to be slithering through generations……….