I’m still trying to figure out people’s motivation. When it’s not money or survival, what could it be? Am I missing something? Obviously, but I probably have thought of this before, but the answer isn’t good enough. People are willing to hurt others for this? What? 

I entered the following into an AI that is familiar with some of the backstory. I don’t have time for that, and I’m really curious for an answer. I know some of the answers will be BS. But I will post some of it. I’m curious about how much the AI model will take into account for people’s behavior versus just providing an answer that is 100% unbiased.

The main question is: Why do adults pick on/bully other adults? If it/’s not money-related or survival-related, what is their excuse?

Here’s what I’m telling AI to get rid of some of the main things “people say” to excuse this behavior.

I know that most “bad” behavior can be attributed to money and the need for survival. Still, I struggle to understand why adults might bully another adult simply because they are different. Could it be because I’m nonconfrontational and avoidant? I’ve never been in a physical fight, and I’ve only had one short argument. 

 In some cases, it could be because they are scared? But scared of what exactly?  I’m fairly certain that people who see me a few days a week (for very short periods) don’t think I’m going to hurt them because of their behavior. However, I’m aware of the stereotype associated with quiet people. I know people are scared of difference.

If I’m going to hurt them, why would they consistently do semi-aggressive things? Not all behavior is logical. But that makes no sense. Why shoot loud firecrackers that I know they know I hate? Why provoke? So, I don’t think they are that scared. But this makes sense to me because I’m avoidant. Or maybe a reaction is enough comedy for them? I don’t always react, and when I don’t, certain behavior temporarily stops, so that’s why I connect the two.

It can’t be money in most situations because I’m not affecting their finances, and if I am, is this the best or easiest way to get it back? If this is it, please help me see this.

Do I need to break each situation down to understand why, even though they’re usually trying to provoke me or tease? However, sometimes it becomes more physical, with a person in the workplace getting in my face and screaming for five seconds. That’s it.  And more recently, someone tried to act like they were going to run over me in the neighborhood. I’ve had people follow me when I walk my dog.

Most adults don’t have these experiences, so I think I’m looking for the right words to make it somewhat understandable. 

An insightful response from AI, but I may need to explore psychology or sociology further. Wait, no. I already know this stuff from reading and learning it in college, too. It doesn’t REALLY explain the why. Saying, “people don’t like you because you are quiet or different,” isn’t an explanation. It’s a description of the issue.

Here’s a summary of what the AI LLM said:

Some adults operate within basic social hierarchies, constantly testing others to see who will submit. They might project their own discomfort, shame, or fear onto you, especially if you don’t follow their social expectations. For certain people, being cruel provides a rush, turning their reactions (or your refusal to react) into a source of entertainment. Differences like neurodivergence, quietness, or any behavior that doesn’t fit the norm can make those who crave conformity feel uneasy. Your ability to remain self-contained, clear, or above petty conflicts can also provoke envy or insecurity in others.

Nothing new here. I usually don’t fall for the jealousy thing because jealous of what? But I did have one person in high school say she was envious that I “didn’t get into stuff.” So there’s that, but why bother me? These are adults? Am I expecting too much? CLEARLY. 

And I know some, especially the younger people, get a hit out of picking on people like me. However, most people probably have other things to attend to. I know some people might be bored A LOT, but why do something mean? There are many ways to get a dopamine hit, and I doubt they could find something different. Is it really easier to harass people? I guess it depends…

And more personal to my specific events:

These reactions aren’t accidental. They’re direct invasions of your senses and personal boundaries. Firecrackers become weaponized noise aimed at your sensitivities. Screaming in your face forces unwanted closeness and takes over your emotions. Threatening your dog targets your sense of comfort and safety. Being followed is meant to intimidate and assert power. None of these is a simple misunderstanding; they’re deliberate provocations meant to trigger fear, force submission, or get a reaction.

Aggression at work can happen if your presence challenges someone’s status, role, or sense of worth—they may lash out to defend their position. Hostility from neighbors can arise if your differences upset their need for control or predictability, prompting them to act out in an attempt to reestablish their comfort zone.

Ok.

I get it…but why invade my personal space and try to take over my emotions? Is this where their boredom comes in? Harming people and endangering their health for the sake of predictability?  

Guess what, Jack. I like predictability too.  And I’m not doing anything to you.

Could it be so hard-wired in their psyche (brains) and no one is willing to admit that? If so, honesty about that would be helpful because why would I expect them to change if they can’t?

Even though they would never just accept something. For the love of…And they would never believe this. They can’t explain what they deny. Even though, I’m not the only person experiencing things like this on the daily basis.