Trolls
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What Are "Trolls"?
Trolls are those that commit trolling, but what is trolling? Urbandictionary.com describes a troll as: "One who posts a deliberately provocative message to a newsgroup or message board with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument." [1] Trolls are commonly found on message boards and other online community centers where there is lots of activity, and they generally attempt to drag away from a constructive post and degenerate what is happening into nonsense, flaming or other verbal abuse.
Where did Trolling come from?
"Derives from the phrase "trolling for newbies" which in turn comes from mainstream "trolling", a style of fishing in which one trails bait through a likely spot hoping for a bite." [2] Trolling generally comes from a person's own interest simply to see people bicker, argue, fight, or sling obscenities, rather than do anything else. While easily recognizable, they still embody a feeling of hate or disdain, and simply exist on the internet as a counter to those who attempt to make something. Today, trolling is still pretty much the same as it has been for as long as its been around.
Influences of Trolling on the Internet
The 6 Types of Online Troll: An Ecosystem of Assholes
Trolling: The Ultimate Activist Trap
eHow: How to Become an Internet Troll
References
"Troll (Internet)." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 4 Nov 2009, 03:13 UTC. 4 Nov 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Troll_(Internet)&oldid=323826455>.
Dhala, Amy. "Simple Vandals or a Unique Social Movement?" Trolls; A Unique Social Movement? 1999. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. <http://www.io.com/~zikzak/troll_thesis.html>.