Nasty Internet Trolls

I travel far and wide on the internet, and I have to say that one thing that disturbs me considerably is the vicious, hostile and vulgar comments people leave on media sites, blogs, Facebook pages and wherever else they feel like stopping by and depositing some of their bigotry and contemptibility.

Why can�t people state an opinion, which is their right to do, in a courteous and respectful manner, without the nasty mudslinging? Why do some individuals deem it necessary to insult, degrade, curse or verbally abuse others? And who are these teeth gnashers that lurk around the comment sections of various blogs and websites, turning even the most innocuous articles into hate fests, and deriving pleasure from tearing down other people?

Surprisingly enough, there is an actual definition for them. I don�t know how I�ve missed it considering how much traveling I do around the World Wide Web, but apparently, these seedy parasites are called internet trolls.

Here is a definition:

�In internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into a desired emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.�

And here is an image of an internet troll:

Click to enlarge. Photo source.

I�ll never understand what motivates people to behave this way. Is it because they can hide behind their computers, safe in their anonymity? Is their self esteem so low that unleashing a callous alter ego (in an anonymous setting) is a way for them to elevate themselves? Are their lives so sad, lonely and meaningless that tearing down other people helps them feel better about their own meagerness? Or are they simply insensitive oafs that truly enjoy behaving this way?

Would these people ever have the nerve to dish out the same cruel, bigoted and vulgar opinions in real time at the same level that they do online? Probably not. Internet trolls are bullies, no different than the ones you encounter in real life. And like all bullies, deep down they are cowards at heart. Their greatest fear is being discovered for who and what they are, and so they stomp on others to elevate themselves, and feed their deflated egos. On the internet they have the added advantage of hiding behind their computers. I don�t think these people would behave like trolls online if they had to reveal their true identity. They wouldn�t have the same level of courage that anonymity grants them.

Sad little people...

Have any of you ever received nasty emails from internet trolls, or had to deal with them on your blogs?