h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Posted on Facebook by a friend:

"The definition of 'trolling' on the internet has changed somewhat in recent years. There was a time when you were labeled a troll for posting subject matter for the sole purpose of inciting anger or contention. Now, contention starts with the subject matter and those who defend themselves against it are labeled 'trolls'. Example:

Person A begins a post on a forum or social network that immediately assaults a political ideology, public or private program, religion at large or some other body of people gathered as a whole with a generalized statement that unfairly takes in everyone under one spiteful umbrella. Persons B,C,& D immediately hop on the hatewagon with 'like's and equally general comments. Then Person E comes along and says, "Actually I believe or subscribe to this way of thinking and use it in my life in this way." For that personal and individual defense of their mindset or way of living, Person E is lambasted for their individual support of a larger group or movement.

If this is the trend now, what will it become as social networks become less social and more antisocial?"

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/duty_calls.png

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