Trolling

Trolling is activity which annoys others but is nonetheless necessary. In general internet terms, trolling can be described as making an undefended and polarised statement, to stimulate a large and reactive response. However, what constitutes "undefended" is usually entirely up to the observer (see spun threat for a way in which this can be made obvious to third party observers).

Those accused of deliberate trolling are called "trolls". However, many political activists or freethinkers or heretics adopt this label as a term of pride and collective self-defense. Accordingly it is as meaningless as any other pop psychiatry label.