Internet Superman Syndrome

Internet Superman Syndrome
Thursday, February 5, 2009

Have you ever noticed how people online tend to be more combative and seem to confront others with ease? Have you ever noticed the many petty arguments that people start? Have you ever seen people cause disruptions for no reason at all? Since I spend a lot of time online, I see these things constantly. It seems as if people have this invincibility characteristic when they are online.

Over the past years, I have come into contact with a range of people. Most of the people I meet are genuine and unique. You learn a lot from these people and you can even have wonderful online friendships. These people tend to come online to get away from every day life. They come online have fun. They get online to interact peacefully with those whom they normally would have no contact. Their purpose is one that is clear. They come online to enhance their lives through peacefully, meaningful and cordial interactions, but there are those that are there for the thrill of seeing others scramble.

In the internet world, those that cause disruptions for no other purpose than to be disruptive are labeled as an internet troll. Trolls peruse forums, groups and chat rooms for vulnerabilities in the conversation. Many times a troll will use a non sequitur as bait to see who will bite. Once they get a bite, they go all out. You begin to see the troll attack others with demeaning and belittling comments. You can visualize how enjoyable this is for the troll....

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posted by Rosko @ 5:47 PM