Hoax vs. Troll

Attribute	Hoax	Troll
Intention	Deceive or trick others	Provoke or upset others
Motivation	Seek attention or spread misinformation	Enjoy causing chaos or stirring up controversy
Method	Creating fake stories or events	Posting inflammatory or offensive comments
Impact	Can mislead or harm individuals or society	Can disrupt online communities or conversations

Definition

A hoax is a deliberately fabricated falsehood made to masquerade as the truth, often with the intention of deceiving others. It can take the form of a fake news story, a doctored image, or a misleading video. On the other hand, a troll is someone who intentionally stirs up controversy and discord online by posting inflammatory or offensive comments. Trolls thrive on provoking emotional reactions from others and disrupting online discussions.

Motivation

Hoaxes are typically created to mislead or deceive people for various reasons. Some hoaxes are created for financial gain, while others may be intended to spread misinformation or manipulate public opinion. Trolls, on the other hand, are motivated by a desire to disrupt and upset others. They often derive pleasure from causing chaos and conflict in online communities.

Impact

Hoaxes can have serious consequences, especially when they are believed and shared widely. They can spread fear, misinformation, and confusion, leading to harm or damage to individuals or society as a whole. Trolls, on the other hand, may not have as direct of an impact, but their behavior can still have negative effects on online discourse. Trolls can derail conversations, sow discord, and create a hostile environment for others.

Intent

Hoaxes are created with the explicit intent to deceive or mislead others. The creators of hoaxes often put effort into making their falsehoods appear convincing and believable. Trolls, on the other hand, are not necessarily trying to deceive others with their inflammatory comments. Instead, trolls aim to provoke a reaction and disrupt the normal flow of conversation.

Methods

Hoaxes are typically spread through various mediums, such as social media, websites, or email. Hoax creators may use fake accounts or personas to give their falsehoods credibility. Trolls, on the other hand, often operate under their real identities but use provocative language or behavior to incite reactions from others. Trolls may also engage in "trolling raids" where they coordinate with others to target a specific individual or group.

Psychological Profile

Those who create hoaxes may have a variety of motivations, including a desire for attention, a need to feel powerful, or a wish to manipulate others. Hoax creators may also have a lack of empathy for those who are harmed by their falsehoods. Trolls, on the other hand, may exhibit traits of sadism, narcissism, or psychopathy. Trolls may enjoy the feeling of power they get from upsetting others and may lack empathy for their victims.

Legal Implications

Hoaxes can sometimes cross the line into illegal activity, such as fraud or defamation. Those who create hoaxes with the intent to harm or deceive others may face legal consequences. Trolls, on the other hand, may not always engage in illegal behavior, but their actions can still have legal implications. Trolls who engage in harassment, threats, or other harmful behavior online may be subject to legal action.

Prevention and Response

Preventing hoaxes involves critical thinking, fact-checking, and media literacy. It is important for individuals to verify information before sharing it and to be aware of the signs of a hoax. Responding to hoaxes may involve debunking the falsehood, reporting it to the platform where it was shared, or educating others about the dangers of spreading misinformation. Dealing with trolls, on the other hand, may require ignoring their provocations, blocking them, or reporting their behavior to the platform or authorities.