Why do internet trolls exist?

[Lil Mama Who]

Why do people get entertainment from being mean to other people? As someone who's known for being really compassionate towards others I just can't wrap my mind around it...

[Earl]

most of the time he's on the internet

[Shaun]

Because their lives suck and the only enjoyment they get is harassing other people on the internet

[dewcoons]

And I hope you never can understand why people would want to act that way. It makes no sense.

[Jonathan]

Sometimes people do it joking around and its actually funny

[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

[Shirley]

As you've probably discovered, there are people lurking all over the web who find great joy in humiliating and attacking others.

[Boss]

There life is the internet :-)

[zadignose]

I hate internet trolls. HATE.

TROLLS!

They are subhuman. They are sub-subhuman. They are so filthy, dirty, and disgusting, they really turn me on.

However, I've learned that if you just talk to them a bit about Christianity, that usually straightens them out. Then you can "have your way" with them.