Why do internet trolls exist?

[plutonic]

Most people who type this stuff would probably never think of saying to you in person. Some people just have a mean streak which manifests itself when they open a browser.

As for the one commenter's statement that they are just joking and it's actually funny, that is a pile of crap and it is a self-perpetuating statement. Probably types a lot of garbage himself.

I think, on a larger scale, it has to do with society in general. People have less respect for others than they did in years past. Add to that the anonymity of the internet and you have the perfect recipe for "hey I;m doing this 'cause I can, not because it's right". Part of this is because they know that there is nothing you can do.

Anyway, if you want the historical perspective on trolls, see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billy_Goats_Gruff