Pretending to be UC Davis: A Trolling Phenomenon

In the vast landscape of online discussion forums, one recurring theme stands out: the promotion of UC Davis as a peer or rival to more prestigious institutions such as Stanford and Harvard. Often, these posts are nothing more than an attempt to provoke and bait an audience, using what can only be described as trolling tactics. This phenomenon is so widespread that responding to such posts feels like engaging in a slow internet-based game of Whack a Mole.

The Question: Brain or Lump?

One particularly stark example of this trolling appears in the form of a question that juxtaposes admissions from UC Davis and Stanford against what many would consider significant life outcomes:

Which would you rather have? Admission to UC Davis or admission to Stanford plus three million dollars?

This question, with its stark and polarizing options, is often framed as a test of intelligence and life satisfaction. However, the true intent behind such posts is far more nefarious and less uplifting.

Alternative "What If" Scenarios

The trolling continues with alternative scenarios that present an array of unconvincing trade-offs. For instance:

Admission to UC Davis and two automatic pardons from the Governor or admission to UC Berkeley and a super hot girlfriend or admission to Harvard and no ring fingers.

These alternatives demonstrate a lack of genuine interest in the answer and instead exploit the competitive nature of higher education to generate engagement and debate.

The UC Davis Trolling Phenomenon

The post about UC Davis is part of a broader trolling phenomenon aimed at promoting the university. This activity is rooted in selective perception, a cognitive bias where people interpret information in a way that confirms their existing beliefs. Trolls use this to manufacture controversy, attract attention, and incentivize debate by presenting extreme and often unrealistic scenarios.

Debunking the Myth

While UC Davis is a prestigious and respected institution in its own right, the trolling behavior around it often serves to undermine its credibility and blur the lines between reality and fiction. The university would be well-served by educating its community on how to recognize and respond to such tactics. This includes avoiding reactions that play into the troll's hands and redirecting the conversation towards meaningful and evidence-based discussions.

Conclusion

The trolling phenomenon surrounding UC Davis in online forums is a manifestation of a broader issue in higher education discourse. By understanding and addressing these tactics, we can create a more informed and respectful dialogue about the value of our institutions.