Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

No, because it's bloody obvious that they're doing things specifically to hurt people. Humans don't desecrate graves by instinct, that requires malice, I'd say.


Hurting other people is an instinct.


Bullshit, we're social animals. That's what makes primates so distinct. Obviously there are exceptions, which these 4chan numbnuts have exemplified, but generally we're good at socialising and being friendly with another.


An effective way to be friendly with another person is by collaborating to hurt a third party.


Citation? I was under the impression that humans do not have instincts.


The suckling action of infants is an instinct; not learned.


That's a reflex, which is different from an instinct. In any case, I think the rather creative behaviors of hurting people in this case are obviously learned.


Humans are just another species of animals, why wouldn't they have an instinct? The only difference is the cultural conditioning, which suppresses instinct behavior.


Because humans have such a capacity for learning, instincts would serve no purpose. Instincts are rigid and humans on the contrary are very adaptable. It appears to me that the scientific consensus is that there are no human instincts, but if you believe otherwise why don't you cite an example?


Mating. The route to get there becomes more flexible due to our adaptability but the desire to have sex is instinctual.


Well again I'd say that's not an instinct, just like hunger it's a desire. An instinct is a very specific pre-programmed behavior that can't be overridden, a desire or reflex doesn't fit that description.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: