Not sure how everything on the internet feels SO intense, but here we are. Chances are you’ve probably come across a news article or trending piece of content and seen polarizing, potentially hateful comments attached to it. Maybe you’ve even argued with some of the comments. If so, guess what? You’re not actually arguing with a random Karen in Ohio or a dude named Chad with 3 followers and a bald eagle avi. You’re arguing with a bot — or worse, a rage-bait content goblin who profits from your blood pressure spike.

Yep. Most of those unhinged, hateful comments under viral posts or polarizing articles? Not real people. They’re often automated accounts with AI-generated filler profiles, zero activity, and a job to do: stir the pot.

Why This Happens: Bots, Rage-Bait & Clicks = Cash

Bots are programmed to do one thing: create engagement. Good, bad, ugly — it doesn’t matter. If you reply, rage, share, or screenshot that wild take, they win. Algorithms don’t care about truth or nuance. They care about time-on-site, shares, comments, and chaos.

And for the real people posting venom online? A lot of it is calculated. It’s called rage-bait. They toss out an inflammatory opinion like blood in shark-infested waters — and you take the bait. Every furious comment you leave, every “WTF is this?” quote tweet? That’s money in their pocket. Hate = clicks. Clicks = views. Views = cash. It’s not an opinion, it’s a sleazy business model.

How to Spot the Fakes

• Empty profiles. No posts, no pics, no followers? That’s a bot or a burner.
• Extreme takes with no nuance. 
• Copy-paste language. Look for repeated phrasing across multiple accounts.
• Weird usernames. jxq_w239d93 is not someone’s mom from Dallas.

What to Do Instead of Engaging

Look, I get it. Your thumbs are burning. But don’t let a computer program (or a clout-chasing troll) hijack your nervous system. Try this instead:

1. Keep scrolling. Your sanity is not a battleground.
2. Report and block. Don’t give them your eyes.
3. Comment something neutral or funny if you must — not angry. Won’t do anything, but maybe make you feel better.
4. Remind yourself: “This is manufactured chaos.” Seriously. That’s what it is.

Blocking is a Form of Self-Care

The next time you feel your blood boiling in a comment section, take a breath. Then laugh, block, and bounce. You’ve got better things to do than argue with a circuit board or boost someone else’s ad revenue.

Keep your peace. Scroll smarter.