Every once in a while, I tend to question this issue. Sure, most of us agree trolling is bad because it poses a threat or confusion to a certain topic. But isn't that the reason why we have arguments in the first place? In an argument, every group or panel must have a devil's advocate or someone to contradict a standpoint; this is useful for seeing things in an opposite perspective.
I think the real debate lies on internet ethics or "netiquette". http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html These 10 "core rules" simply encourage people in practising responsible, competent and empathic values when dealing people in the internet. I personally think this set of rules in useless since there's no official all-encompassing governing body in the first place. Even governments are having a tough time managing the internet (I'm looking at you SOPA/PIPA!).
Also, we can't expect humans to be perfect. I have known a lot of people throwing out their anger in online games. Some troll for their own enjoyment while ruining others'. I have read that anonymity encourages people in doing free and unwarranted acts since their identity is concealed anyway, but I'll save that for another post.
Meanwhile, these are the reasons why I consider trolling both a good and a bad act:
WHY IT'S BAD:
1) It derails a topic.
2) It encourages anti-social behaviour (e.g. racism, profanity, etc.)
3) It causes spam.
4) It can hurt feelings.
5) It stretches an argument to a pointless conclusion.
6) It wastes your time and energy (unless you know how to value both).
WHY IT'S GOOD:
1) It gives people some laughs (if executed well).
2) It helps promote memes.
3) It leads to great surprises.
4) It is already labelled as an "artform". http://www.urban75.com/Mag/troll.html
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