People who insult: what is behind this behavior?

There are those who say that we live in the era of criticism, devaluations and gratuitous insults. Social networks are a fertile field for this type of offensive dynamics. Thus, and although it is true that people who insult have always existed and will exist, it seems as if in recent years, they have proliferated even more. Is there any cause behind it that explains it?

Some experts point out that this opening to disqualification was initiated by former President Donald Trump. Suddenly we saw a great world leader throwing insults and calling names publicly. He did it in his interviews, press conferences and especially on Twitter. Freedom of expression suddenly collided with respect for the integrity of others and a debate was opened that is still alive.

Psychology now shows great interest in understanding what lies behind verbal abuse. Because let’s not forget, an insult is not an arrow shot into the air that falls, at most, on some roof. An insult hurts psychologically, humiliates, ridicules, denigrates and reinforces many prejudices and stereotypes.

People who insult: why do they do it?

Insults have their unique anatomy. Each country, each culture and even region has its own, there are milder ones and there are many who seek to do as much damage as possible. However, what is evident is that everyone hurts. Some children receive them in schools (sometimes even in their homes), they are suffered in work environments and also in many relationships.

Likewise, there is another fact. The Insults arise in all areas, but if until not long ago they were a phenomenon almost always restricted to the private sphere, now we see them more in the public media., on television and, above all, on social networks. There is an obvious explanation for the reason for the latter: whoever insults in a public medium also seeks to have an audience.

Many of us have seen it in media like Twitter. People who insult have thousands of followers behind them who defend that position and will further denigrate the victim.. On the other hand, it is not strange that this insult becomes viral, thus creating an atmosphere in which all ethical and even moral principles are diluted.

However, what moves these personalities? What are those who resort to insults as a habitual form of communication like?

Insults as a form of inherited communication

There are those who resort to insults due to mere social conditioning and inherited behavioral pattern. There are many who have grown up in environments where resorting to criticism, humiliation and devaluation was common.

Sooner or later, they repeat the same thing to which they have been exposed, but at the same time releasing that frustration and pain accumulated since childhood due to that type of communication.

On the other hand, there is also a common fact. Many of these people resort to insults as a habit to function in any environment: school and work.

Violent communication, a form of power

Research work such as those carried out at the University of Bath (England) tells us that people who insult frequently colonize organizational environments. Violent communication seeks to have status and a form of power over others.

This is, after all, what many of these figures are looking for: to create a hierarchy where they can place themselves above the rest through criticism, humiliation, camouflaged insults, etc.

People who insult, grandiose narcissism

We call grandiose narcissists or unconscious narcissists those people who They are not aware of how their behavior impacts others. They need to exalt themselves in any situation and to do so they do not hesitate to exploit and insult others. They are arrogant, envious, aggressive and attack anyone as soon as they perceive that their worth or position is questioned.

Among people who insult, grandiose narcissists are the most common. Likewise, there is another striking fact: they usually choose two very specific types of insults, they are those that refer to uselessness and stupidity. That is, they resort as much as they can to those offensive resources with which to criticize, for example, how naive or lacking in intellect others are, as well as how stupid or inept.

Tourette syndrome and coprolalia

Although it is difficult to believe (and understand), there are people who insult and who, in reality, would not want to do so. There are those who cannot control themselves, who suffer from compulsive and involuntary behavior of uttering obscene words, insults and socially inappropriate expressions.

Coprolalia is a characteristic of Tourette syndrome, a disorder characterized by repetitive and unexpected movements, strange sounds and, sometimes, violent communication. In these cases, this neuropsychiatric condition is much more complex and also disabling for those who suffer from it.

To conclude, as we can see behind verbal abuse there is a whole scenario of personalities, traits and characters. It is not easy to live in a society in which insults become tolerated in media such as social networks. There are many ways to communicate without having to resort to offense or disqualification.

However, let’s be clear, whoever uses insults reveals a good part of himself: he shows us his recalcitrant intolerance, his childhood frustration, his education received, his lack of empathy and even his dubious intelligence.

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