Yes, it seems to be your hobby. I don't believe a thing you claim about yourself.
Online trolls are primarily driven by a desire for attention, entertainment (boredom), and a sadistic pleasure in causing emotional distress to others. They are motivated by the anonymity and "disinhibition effect" of the internet, allowing them to exert power, control, and act out aggressively without immediate, real-world consequences.
UGA Today +5
Key drivers of online trolling include:
- Personality Factors (The "Dark Tetrad"): Research links trolling to sadistic, psychopathic, and narcissistic traits, where individuals gain pleasure from inflicting pain and feel entitled to dominate online spaces.
- Anonymity and Disinhibition: The ability to hide behind fake accounts reduces accountability, making users more likely to display aggressive behavior they wouldn't in person.
- Attention-Seeking and Validation: Trolls crave reactions, using provocation to generate chaos and ensure they are noticed, regardless of whether the attention is positive or negative.
- Boredom and Thrill-Seeking: For some, trolling is simply a way to pass time, seeking amusement by stirring up conflict.
- Power and Control: Trolls often use "us vs. them" strategies to manipulate discussions and assert dominance over others.
- Projection of Insecurity/Loneliness: Some trolling stems from personal frustrations or loneliness, using the internet as an outlet for anger.
UGA Today +11
Studies show that men are more likely to exhibit this behavior and tend to score higher on sadistic,
Machiavellian, and psychopathic traits.