[Envious-Sleep]

Whether it's on the net of in real life, there are always certain people out there who can't say anything nice.
I'm not talking about a comment meant to be a joke but taken too seriously. I'm talking about "trolls".

I understand sometimes people feel the need to make fun of someone or something that they really don't like, because they truly feel that those people/things are so lowly that they deserve it all. But what about people who go on to bash and insult things that they don't really care about, that they neither like nor dislike?

Is it really that amusing to be rude? o_O

Or is it just a compulsion; maybe you're having a bad day and it'd feel better if you cuss out at someone?

So, why do you think people act offensively, and if you're one of those "trolls", why do you do it?

For me personally, I only say mean things that I intend to be mean when I'm really pissed off at someone, though I tend to do it by using big words the person would have trouble understanding in an attempt to belittle them. Still, I try not to be so harsh towards even things or people I hate with a fiery passion unless if they just did someting to piss me off.

So....discuss away? ><

EDIT
By "rude and offensive", I don't mean just being brutally honest, but actually trying to be rude and offensive. "Go read up about this topic before answering =,=" versus "You're a stupid muthafutha LOLOLOL I slept wit yo mom last night, whatchu gonna say bout that?!" Or something like that.

[phoenix arise]

they want to be liked by trying to be funny

[kishycathiee]

they are lonely human beings who post offensive things so people could reply back, because that's the only way someone would ever talk to them.

[Cash]

I was always a softspoken person so I rarely yell or act out maliciously in real life. There is a person I know who is like that and he "works" at my job as a manager of what I think is a made up job position. We all try to avoid him because he never has anything nice to say about anything or anyone, and a lot of the stuff he does and says is on the verge of harrassment. I don't dare ask him why he is the way he is, and I try to make up reasons like him having a bad day or something horrible happening...but that still isn't a reason to act as if everyone is making your day worse just by doing what they're supposed to be doing. I don't know if it's the same as what you're referring to, but that guy is the troll of my life..lmao.

On the internet, I suppose it's because people can act however they want regardless if it's their true self or some kind of internet identity they created. Maybe it's their way of relieving stress that has been built up for the day, or they're bored lol. They aren't really there to make our day worse, they're there so we can practice ignoring people that annoy us on the internet and in reality lol. They don't bother me much, even if they're making a racist comment or bashing my favorite artist.

[Regina Rae]

Well, I think a lot of people don't try to be rude/offensive. They're just naturally like that. Like some people are naturally nice.
I mean, some people are JUST rude, anyway.

[catchlight]

Haha, that's an interesting question--it will be fun to see if you get any real 'troll' responses.

I think all of us are pretty similar in most ways, and that at the core we do things for the same reasons. People who troll just want the attention and the feeling that they can affect other people's behavior (work them up). There are "fake trolls" who are earnestly trying their best to be funny and entertain others, but ironically their comments are rarely funny at all lol Anyways, I encourage all of you to take the time to befriend a troll at least once--you'll start to see a different side of that person AND of yourself

<3Stephanie

[Moospii]

The anonymity of the internet obviously also helps. I'm sure your average troll wouldn't say half the things they write on forums in real life. Because they WILL get their asses kicked.

Because spending most of the day in front of a computer being a douche = not a very physically fit person.

This is actually the first forum I've been with that doesn't have admins/mods that actively insult everyone else mercilessly. gooo soompi!

[Mannosuke]

Define and describe "troll"

ie: the things they say, the things they do, and general tips on "how to spot a troll"

So, why do you think people act offensively, and if you're one of those "trolls", why do you do it?

Maybe they're not trolling you, but just providing an alternative way to approach a situation instead of just constantly agreeing with others?

See the thing is, anyone that even expresses any sort of disapproval in a "less than civil" manner is automatically considered a troll.

PS: did I make a good troll post?
EDIT: lol deleted too much.

[K evin]

To be honest, I love trolls. They bring spice, attitude and fun to forums.

The internet is not supposed to be taken seriously. When you see a ridiculous post by a troll that offends you, ignore it. By "feeding" them with your anger, you are helping them achieve their task.

Maybe they're not trolling you, but just providing an alternative way to approach a situation instead of just constantly agreeing with others?

See the thing is, anyone that even expresses any sort of disapproval in a "less than civil" manner is automatically considered a troll.

This is the exact opinion I agree with.

[Envious-Sleep]

Hm...maybe my idea of a troll is a lot more...severe than what you guys think xD
I think compared to another forum I've been on, people on this one are a lot nicer.

Trolls on this "other forum" don't post their opinion in what most people would be considered rude or unrestrained. It's usually spam, and they insult posters with cussing, name-calling, etc.

For example, your posts aren't really trolling, just differing opinions. A troll post would be something more..bully-like.

And Mannosuke, stop telling me to define things D=<
Just 'cause I was called the human dictionary when I was in 4th grade doesn't mean I want to carry that name any longer! TT^TT
And no, your trolling isn't extreme enough to be considered trolling, as mentioned above =P

[dancingbymyself]

I think alot of people are like me. I don't personally think there is a need to sugarcoat things.
If something someone is wearing and it comes to my mind, i'll say it, if they need to lose weight i'll say that too.
It's not trying to be rude or offensive, it's just the truth without any blocks.
On the flip side though, i'll say nice thing about people as well.

[miinolee]

they have to make themselves feel better cause they crap. they pick on weaker people cause their like tissues to make them feel less crappy......http://www.soompi.co...icons/icon9.gif

[bgirlxstylistic]

they want to be liked by trying to be funny

+1.
i'm a part of many forums that have these kinds of people.
that's just how they do, & i think its pretty stupid.
apparently, flaming nowadays gives people a boost of self-esteem in a very stupid way.

[Mannosuke]

Trolls on this "other forum" don't post their opinion in what most people would be considered rude or unrestrained. It's usually spam, and they insult posters with cussing, name-calling, etc.

And Mannosuke, stop telling me to define things D=<

If they're just insulting people, why call them trolls?
Trolls are people that say questionable things with the intent on stirring controversy.

Like TheOnion.

[Envious-Sleep]

If they're just insulting people, why call them trolls?
Trolls are people that say questionable things with the intent on stirring controversy.

Like TheOnion.

Because trolls are ugly and monstrous, which, I guess, is how people think of people who insult people online for no apparent reason?
Iunno, I guess the definition of "troll" differs depending on the people and forum.
The definition I 'grew up with' was of people who go around different threads and bashing/insulting others for no apparent reason. Muh.

[Mannosuke]

The definition that I've come across for people that insult others is "flamer" and that's pretty much it. But they're silly words, so it doesn't matter how you wish to define it, so I'll assume troll includes flame as well.

What I really like though, are the reactions that follow.

Group a number of social psychology students in one room and have them brainstorm why trolls do the things they do, and you'll hear a variety of interesting conclusions.

"They do it cause they're insecure"
"They do it cause it makes them feel better"

And ironically, people believe them! These statements have essentially no citations whatsoever and no supporting arguments behind it, except maybe the just-as-illogical "if it wasn't true, you wouldn't deny it". And using this awesome logic, if any trolls deny the fact that they're insecure, then they must be insecure!

It's like accusing someone of theft, and if they say "NO, I didn't steal anything" then it must be true that they stole something. This is like, totally awesome isn't it? Law and order has never been so much easier. If they DON'T deny it, then they're guilty, and if they DO deny it, then there's more reason to believe that they're guilty.

[Atmosphere.]

people that are like that just don't care what that person will say about them, it's also honesty you know. people just want to say whatever is on their mind depends on their mood, i'm like that too. when i'm feeling very random/weird or pissed off, i just give rude comments to someone. i mean in our lives, we can't always hear good things all the time, i mean no fun.

[eternal_bliss]

And ironically, people believe them! These statements have essentially no citations whatsoever and no supporting arguments behind it, except maybe the just-as-illogical "if it wasn't true, you wouldn't deny it". And using this awesome logic, if any trolls deny the fact that they're insecure, then they must be insecure!

It's like accusing someone of theft, and if they say "NO, I didn't steal anything" then it must be true that they stole something. This is like, totally awesome isn't it? Law and order has never been so much easier. If they DON'T deny it, then they're guilty, and if they DO deny it, then there's more reason to believe that they're guilty.

That reminds of something I read a long time ago that was like 'Insane men deny they are insane. Bob denies he is insane, ergo Bob is insane." or something along the lines of that. But really, if the world deems you as insane or a thief then all your protestations to the contrary will just give more weight to their point.

[hiswendy]

They're just naturally ignorant & feel that the only response they can give is that of an offensive nature?

[omoi]

yah exactly i have the same question why? for me i hate rude people the most

but , sometimes i feel that they are kind, so why they have to be rude. i don't think that people are born with ruddiness and they should treat people well if they want to be loved. Life is too short so why don't we be nice to others and treat them in a good way.

well for me i become really rude when i am in a bad mood and i am trying t change this habit in me coz i hate it