The Power of Trolling as Communication

Traditional intellectual elites often disdain each other yet tend to trust communicators who mirror their style. By incorporating trolling language into serious discussions, individuals can gain credibility and appeal to this demographic. This strategy creates a sense of forbidden knowledge that encourages sharing and engagement among peers, ultimately driving the spread of extremist ideas. A notable example of this tactic is the Christchurch shooter's manifesto, which effectively used inside jokes and online forum language to promote white supremacist ideologies. Such methods have significantly contributed to the rise of the alt-right as a political entity and continue to shape their communication strategies.