Internet Trolls: Born That Way?

Summary

The video humorously explores the topic of internet trolls, explaining their behavior and impact. It discusses research on trolling, revealing that trolls often display traits like sadism and psychopathy but notes that anyone can be provoked into trolling under certain conditions. The video emphasizes how bad moods and exposure to prior trolling can increase trolling behavior. The host encourages viewers to reflect on their own online actions and offers a lighthearted suggestion to stay calm and avoid becoming a troll. The video concludes by reminding viewers to stay 'above the trolls.'

Takeaways

• 😟 Internet trolls are individuals who intentionally post provocative or offensive messages online to upset others.
• 🏫 Researchers at prestigious universities study trolling behavior seriously due to its impact on online communities.
• 🌐 Trolling can lead to significant emotional distress and has caused some websites to remove comment sections.
• 👥 Certain groups like LGBTQ, People of Color, and women are disproportionately targeted by trolls.
• 🔍 Studies from the Data & Society Research Institute and the Pew Research Center provide insights into the extent of trolling.
• 📚 Academic definitions of trolling describe it as behavior that exceeds the community's acceptable norms, including personal attacks and flaming.
• 🤔 Trolling is distinct from cyberbullying as trolls aim to get attention and amuse themselves, not specifically to harm individuals.
• 🧐 Personality traits linked to trolling include sadism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism, with sadism being the most prevalent.
• 🧬 A study suggests that trolls are more likely to be males with traits of psychopathy and sadism.
• 🧪 Experiments from Stanford and Cornell indicate that anyone can be provoked to troll, especially under negative moods or when exposed to trolling behavior.
• 🤝 Civil online discourse is possible and encouraged, contrasting with the disruptive nature of trolling.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to discuss the phenomenon of internet trolling, exploring what makes someone an internet troll, and the impact of trolling on online communities.

How does the script describe internet trolls?

The script describes internet trolls as individuals who post inflammatory, offensive, or irrelevant messages with the primary intent of provoking others or disrupting online communities for their amusement.

What are some of the negative effects of trolling mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that trolls can disrupt entire online communities and cause serious emotional distress, with certain groups like LGBTQ, People of Color, and women being targeted more frequently.

What research has been conducted on trolling behavior?

The script refers to research from the Data & Society Research Institute and the Pew Research Center, which highlight the impact of trolling on targeted groups. It also mentions academic studies that have looked into the personality traits of trolls.

How does the script differentiate between trolling and cyberbullying?

Trolling is described as behavior aimed at getting attention and amusing the troll at the expense of online communities, while cyberbullying is more about harming a specific individual.

What personality traits are associated with trolls according to the studies mentioned in the script?

The studies mentioned in the script associate trolls with personality traits of sadism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism, with sadism being the most significant.

What does the script suggest about the possibility of anyone becoming a troll?

The script suggests through research from Stanford and Cornell that regular individuals can be provoked into trolling, especially when in a bad mood or exposed to trolling behavior, indicating that trolling might be contagious.

What was the experiment conducted by researchers from Stanford and Cornell to understand trolling behavior?

The experiment involved putting people in either a good or bad mood and then asking them to comment on a mock online news article. The researchers found that negative mood and the presence of prior troll posts significantly increased the likelihood of someone trolling.

What is the script's suggestion for viewers to avoid trolling behavior?

The script suggests that viewers take a deep breath, listen to chill music, treat themselves to something delicious, and then leave a comment in a respectful manner.

What is the final message of the video script?

The final message of the video script is to 'stay above the trolls,' encouraging viewers to maintain a positive and respectful online presence.

How does the script use humor to discuss a serious topic?

The script uses humor by comparing trolls to 'wet socks' and suggesting that viewers treat themselves to something delicious before commenting, which lightens the tone while discussing the serious issue of internet trolling.