Trolling: Is it good or bad, necessary or uncalled for?

Question

The subtle art of trolling is almost as old as the Internets themselves, if you are new to the Internet and unfamilliar with trolling then I'll give you a quick guide.
Troll is a name for both people who post inflamatory messages on open forums, and the inflamatory messages themselves. Usually posting or provoking flamebait (posts aimed at getting strongest replies), the troll often pretends to strongly support a view he/she actually opposes or is indifferent to, just to cause debate.
Trolls argue that trolling is fun, it weeds out newbies and idiots in a forum and promotes healthy (albeit chaotic) discussion. Trolling a group is a good way to find information on a subject, for example if you didn't know whether to buy an iPod or a Zune, you could troll about how great iPods are and sift through the flames to find the genuine pros and cons spouted by experts on both sides.
Is it wrong to use people this way, or is it the correct way to use the Internet? Is it an art form or a nuisance?

(ran out of space)
The reason why I'm posting this in the philosophy section rather than society and etiquette section is because I'm looking for answers to do with ethics and the evolution of communication.

Ah Donnie, you are probably being trolled. The flames you respond with give an insight into your character, they expose your weaknesses and your alliances. It's safer to assume every post is a troll and respond with caution.

Answer 1

This troll question is very interesting.

The example you gave iPod or Zune is non controversial - I mean no one's feelings are going to get hurt or feel bad - it's just a consumer question.

However, if someone is ranting and raving against the Jews (known as anti-semitism) I will get quite upset since I am one of them (Member of the Tribe).

So, I think the trolling and rolling with the punches of the troll does really depend on the subject, doesn't it and your attachment or detachment from it.

Answer 2

Research shows that people generally feel less threatened by abusive behaviour on the internet than in face to face interaction, letters or telephone harrassment, so it's not as serious as that. I would say flame wars can be fun, but i'm not sure about trolling because it's deceptive.

I get annoyed by trolling, particularly on imdb, because i perceive it as puerile, aggressive and unintelligent. It doesn't lead to intelligent discussion on there. In a support group style forum it's also inappropriate because it's going to frighten off people who need emotional support and who may, for all anyone knows, not be able to get it from anywhere else. If it's just something like vi versus emacs, Dr Who versus Star Trek or Z80 versus 6502, that's fine, but i have to say that even there it's quite a blokish thing to do.

Answer 3

I guess that no matter what your opinion about this is, there isn't exactly anything you can do to stop it is there? The only way to do anything about it would be to block the user, who would probably then just crease another screen name anyway, or to not reply or respond to the question. But usually the things they are spouting on about are so ridiculous you do raise to the bait and reply.

I tend to think its an unkind way to manipulate people. I would only post genuine questions when I wanted genuine replys. I think you have to have a basic level of morality and fair play. Which sadly some lack. I think its a form of teasing or bullying.

I think sometimes its funny, but if you think about it, its a bit tragic and sad. I mean what sort of loner or loser resorts to doing that in the first place? People with too much time on their hand? People with no social contact or friends? People with nothing better to do?

I don't think its very productive or good, but its one of those things you sort-of accept I guess.

Answer 4

In my naivety, I didn't even know this term existed or that people actually did this! I'm 30 next year and decided it was about time I started to enjoy the benefits of the Internet; only started using it Feb this year, still in the learning process!
Now I know that it happens, I'll definitely view posts differently in some cases.
Now I think of it, an ex boyfriend of mine from my early 20's seemed to do this to people face to face; I hated it when he did, he actually got thumped for it on one occasion. He went on to do his masters degree in sociology, anthropology and politics! I wonder what he's up to now.
I wouldn't feel comfortable trolling myself and wouldn't really want to be subject to it. Wouldn't call it an art form, but would call it a nuisance if it causes unnecessary distress to the people it targets.
Thanks for the learning curve.

Answer 5

It is not an art form, without any doubt.

I have to confess to having done this in the past, simply to infuriate people who have been too pious in their posting. I have always joined with a different name and then played devil's advocate with the troller - is that a word?- it was not done as an "art form" merely a way of trying to bring down "righteous" people without hurting friends who ran the sites. in all honesty it's something that I'm not that proud of, even though it is a way of releasing "the dark side".

(Not here, I've been a good boy here, well mostly)

Answer 6

Well, if you succeed in finding the information you wish doing this method, then bravo for you.

I like to read posts on these types of questions myself, simply because occasionally the answers can be drop dead brilliant. I am always awed by the level of intelligence that some people in here can show or defend their positions in any kind of discussion.

So trollers and trollees of yahoo, thank you for the many hours of contribution, may your god bless you all, and happy holidays.

Answer 7

Art form, well, I think its inevitable, does everybody on the net give true and honest opinions when they answer questions, or do they hid behind their online name, or persona.
You can spot a dodgy question a mile off, trolling will always be a nuisance.

Answer 8

I had never heard of it before but I think it's a great idea. Good to stir up some written controversy and make people think. You never know what might come out of the woodwork. The net is not an agony column - there is plenty of space for everyone which is what makes it great. Keep trolling!

Answer 9

It's neither good nor bad, it's human nature.
Trollers will be with us for a long time or until we learn not to engage with them.
I would not call trolling an art form however.

Answer 10

Is it ethical to mislead people as to one's true intentions? Debatable. Ultimately, it can create paranoia within forums and other discussion groups.