In the context of internet culture, “trolling” refers to the act of provoking or annoying others online with the aim of creating disruption or eliciting strong reactions. This is usually done through inflammatory, off-topic, or controversial comments or posts, often under the guise of seemingly normal dialogue or innocent questions.
The person who engages in this behavior is typically called a “troll”. Their motives can vary: some may find amusement in causing distress, while others might be looking to distract or derail meaningful conversation. It’s important to note that trolling is generally viewed negatively, as it can contribute to a hostile online environment and can sometimes escalate into cyberbullying or harassment.