Internet Trolls

In the past, bullying could be found in schools, in the workplace, and in sports. Nowadays, there is a new form of bullying called Cyber Bullying. Cyber bullies are also known as Internet Trolls. Lisa Selin Davis, an internet blogger, writes about her personal experiences dealing with internet trolls. She states in her blog that all kinds of people can become trolls, according to sociologists and psychologists who have studied online behavior. Three major types of trolls are, The Moral Crusader, The Hater, and The Debunker. All three spend time and energy engaging in virtual hate.
A Moral Crusader is a person who thinks his or her way is the right way. They use their beliefs and morals to put others down. They try to convince others that their beliefs are better and superior then that of others moral beliefs. Some examples of moral crusader groups are called, “The Anti-Tobacco Lobby,” “Gun Control Lobby,” “Anti-Pornography Group,” “Pro-Life/ Pro-Choice Movement.” These are all examples of places crusaders like to project their strong opinions onto others. They are social movements which campaign around a symbolic or moral issue.
The Hater finds other users with similar views to form a group. It shares views to bond itself. They destroy and attack their target. Haters seek to attract attention by making provocative comments that are aggressive or offensive. They are usually people that greatly dislike a specific person or thing. An example of an internet hater: Susan: “You know, Kevin from Accounting is doing very well. He just bought a house in a very nice part of town.” Jane (Hater): “If he’s doing so well, why does he drive that ’89 Taurus.”? Hater’s comments are usually brought on by jealousy.
Another major type of internet troll is The Debunker. The Debunker will expose false, pretentious claims and ideas while ridiculing. Many well-known people have been targets of this type of internet troll. President Obama’s birth certificate has been an internet conspiracy for debunkers that claim Obama’s birth certificate is false. Theresa Caputo, a reality star medium who claims to connect with loved ones who have passed, has been publically challenged by multiple sources. One website called, www.longislandmediumfake.com, states their purpose is to expose Theresa Caputo.