A Test Of Patience: 42 Photos That Captured Pure Frustration

The Extremely Infuriating subreddit has 64,000 weekly visitors. That kind of traffic is solid proof that people may actually enjoy being rage-baited. But why is that?

For one, our inherent negative biases make us gravitate towards online toxicity. It’s why a single disparaging comment stands out among thousands of praises, and it’s why news reports always begin with bad news, according to cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Christian Jarrett.

People may be fully aware that rage-bait content is intended to provoke them, yet they continue to consume it. According to University of Virginia psychology professor Bethany Teachman, it’s because anger compels us to take action and defend ourselves, which is rooted in evolutionary survival mechanisms. 

“Feeling anger compels us to approach the anger trigger (in contrast to emotions like anxiety and sadness that make us want to withdraw or avoid), so we are often “baited” by rage bait,” Teachman said.

Being angry is exhausting. It drains you both physically and mentally. Having a lack of control can also put you in troublesome situations. This is where the importance of channeling that anger comes in. 

According to clinical psychologist Leigh W. Jerome, it means responding to the emotion in a “reflective, regulated, and respectful” way.

Jerome shared practical tips for channeling anger, including taking a time-out to process rage, taking a short walk, or stepping into a quiet space for deep breathing. She also advises noticing impulses and naming anger triggers. 

“Your feelings are valid. You are only accountable for your actions and the consequences of your response,” she stated.

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