I thought you were going a different direction with the initial part of the article. There aren't many repercussions to trolls online. It's not like on tv where you have a friend who can track their IP address and thy conveniently live close to your house, so you can drive over there.
RE: manipulation. Yes, I think we all constantly manipulate each other to a certain extent. Trying to figure out who is manipulating you at any given time is a lot of work. Sometimes it's easier to just go with things if they're not actively harming you. It's not the best approach to take, but I can't remember when I saw the ad for Corvette. Doesn't mean I'm not about to go massively into debt to buy one!
Just kidding.
In the long run, does this lead to more harm, perhaps of others too?
It is a difficult problem to be sure.
I would like a nice, comfortable, electric car with insane mode.
You're right, it can lead to more harm, and it could lead to harm of others. I just meant that at some point you have to trust something. I have to believe that some food isn't going to poison me. Although I think that GMOs and pesticide-laden foods are not as healthy as organic, are organic safe? It's hard to know. And am I just being manipulated by the organic lobby to pay more for their food? Is it even organic? (much research has shown that substantial amounts of "organic" have just been relabeled from conventional). Where does the line end? At the end of the day (and the middle and beginning) I need to put food in my mouth. What food will it be? The hunger clock is ticking. :)
Yes, a Tesla would be great! I'll drive the heck outta that thing. I'll even buy a wind farm so I can power it! Ha ha.