Gotta ask: what's the point of trolls? What do they get by wasting their time and energy so they'd waste someone else's? Attention seeking much?

Ok, I get that it's the internet, everyone loves a good joke and so (tho most of theirs aren't good but I digress) but what's the point of going out of your way just to make someone spend time and energy on you, resulting in nothing? Because really, no one gets anything out of this. Is it for attention, do they feel somehow better, cleverer, like they're more important? Like saying "I'm right and you're wrong because I tricked you"?

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BlueVeins · 22-25

I used to troll a lot when I was younger. I think it is sort of a power thing, being able to control someone else's emotions by making them angry without them being able to control yours. It can also be artistically engaging, depending on the methodology used.

Melpomene · 22-25, F

@BlueVeins Doors work in both ways 😈

Artistically engaging though?

BlueVeins · 22-25

@Melpomene Yeah, there are plenty of shitty trolls who just say outrageous shit -- and plenty of true fascists & conservatives who merely pretend to be trolls to avoid being held accountable. But putting a little artistic flare into your trolling can make it a lot more fun and satisfying. I remember a long time ago, I was on this social media app with a lot of fundamentalist Christian kids (which i was a kid at a time so FBI don't come after me). So I wrote a big, long post using biblical citations to establish why Satan is morally superior to God. Obvious troll move, but it had a coherent rhetorical purpose and a writing style meticulously crafted to service it. Attracted a lot of attention, too.

Melpomene · 22-25, F

@BlueVeins

So what was the point? Of you wasting time to make all of that, put citations et alii, just to piss a few people off?

BlueVeins · 22-25

@Melpomene It's not a waste if you enjoy it. Some kids watch cartoons and play football, I messed with people on the Internet.

Melpomene · 22-25, F

@BlueVeins No offence but that's both lame and disrespectful. And look where it brought you!

BlueVeins · 22-25

@Melpomene Yeah, I never said I was a saint. 🤷‍♂️ You asked me for an explanation of a behavior so I gave one.

Melpomene · 22-25, F

@BlueVeins You said you used to enjoy that. *nods to your post