getAbstract Summary: Get the key points from this book in less than 10 minutes.

University professor Whitney Phillips examines the culture of online trolling, an antisocial activity many regard as unworthy of serious study. Her prism into this world surveys those US residents who revel in this online subculture and identify as members of it. She presents a complex, multilayered portrait of the mores, emotions and tactics of people who intentionally cause distress to others. She interviewed numerous trolls and directly participated in "trolldom" by opening herself up to attacks. Phillips writes with wit and clarity – especially for an academic. She links trolling to the larger culture and shows how these individuals, even in their most reprehensible actions, simply mirror attitudes and methods embraced by sensationalist mainstream media. She unflinchingly depicts trolls sexual, racial and scatological humor, which some readers may find offensive, as, indeed, the trolls intend. With that warning, getAbstract recommends this readable study to those intrigued by the relationship between the Internet and so-called real life.

Book Publisher:

MIT Press