What is it about the internet that turns people into massive dicks?
Perceived impunity, maybe? The divorcing of actions from their consequences? But you can say the same about school bullies, gaslighters, whatever: the notion's not unique to the internet. But it is amplified by it -- hyperbole to a ridiculous degree -- which makes its effects so much more damaging. At the same time, I disagree with Skepchick's summation that wanting power and wanting attention are mutually exclusive; giving the latter gives trolls the former, so never underestimate the power of turning the other cheek. There are other, more effective ways to undo them (though I know that's easy to say when I'm not at the receiving end of a barrage of hate). #link