MMO Madness: Behind the Troll Mask
A show where we dissect the trolls decode the toxicity, and explore why so many virtual worlds end up full of very real hate.
MMO Madness: Behind the Troll Mask
The Psychology of Trolling
Episode 10: The Psychology of Trolling
Why do trolls troll?
In this extended deep dive, Boss Mode pulls back the mask to explore the psychology of trolling in MMOs. From the harmless pranksters whispering fake raid strats, to the sadistic corpse campers, to the redemption arcs of trolls who “respec’d” their behavior, this episode unpacks what drives players to chaos.
Inside this episode:
· The Online Disinhibition Effect, why anonymity unleashes hidden sides of players.
· EverQuest’s Ninja-Loot Emperor and ESO’s infamous bank heist.
· WoW corpse campers, Rust betrayals, and Balmung’s tyrant king.
· The line between roleplay and cruelty, when masks reveal more than they hide.
· Redemption arcs: trolls who turned from villains to mentors.
Dark, funny, and a little uncomfortable, this episode shows how trolling isn’t just pixels on a screen, its psychology, community, and sometimes, a mirror of ourselves.
Episode Sponsor:
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Got a grief story or redemption arc worth sharing? Email podcast@mmomadness.com your tale may end up in a future episode.
"We’re going beyond the patch notes… and pulling the mask off the madness.”
