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Probing the Sadistic Minds of Internet Trolls

Illustration of a grimacing person pointing their finger at another person
Online trolls have an appetite for cruelty and a twisted perspective on harm.

Aggressive Behavior Brings Emotional Pain to the Sadist

Washington, DC - People with sadistic personality traits tend to be aggressive, but only enjoy their aggressive acts if it harms their victims. According to a series of studies of over 2000 people, these actions ultimately leave sadists feeling worse than they felt before their aggressive act. 

The research appears in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology.


 
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