As you've probably discovered, there are people lurking all over the web who find great joy in humiliating and attacking others. This insightful infographic describes the inner workings of Internet trolls, explaining why they decide to spend their online time in attack mode. Tapping the expertise of psychologists and experts, it offers solid reasons why this scourge of the Internet continues.

We all like to think that most people mean well, and are inherently good. Even if that's true, the infographic shows us instances where even some good people can quickly turn bad, all because of a variety of situations related to mob behavior.

When people think they're anonymous, they do things they otherwise wouldn't. When conversations aren't happening in real time, some people feel like they can quickly dash off a negative comment and then immediately escape altogether. And when people get all wrapped up in their narcissism and rebelliousness, they might be more likely to pick on others they don't even know.

This infographic, presented by bestpsychologyschoolsonline.com, concludes with University of Central Lancashire lecturer Claire Hardaker offering ways to prevail over Internet trolls. She combed through nine years' worth of unmoderated comments on an Internet forum, and suggests ways to frustrate — and even thwart — trolls.

Why do you think trolls are doing this? Is there any way to stop trolling without infringing on the free speech of the innocent?

Front page illustration via iStockphoto, Ultra_generic. Infographic courtesy bestpsychologyschoolsonline.