HOW TO DEAL WITH INTERNET TROLLS
( Adapted from Julia McCoy at Search Engine Journal ) By Lesley Timbol
According to Wikipedia , an internet troll is “ a person who posts inflammatory , insincere , digressive , extraneous , or off-topic messages in an online community ( such as a newsgroup , forum , chat room , or blog ), with the intent of provoking readers into displaying emotional responses , or manipulating others ’ perception .”
Basically , that ’ s a fancy way of saying an internet troll is an online jerk .
Their behaviour ranges from luring people into silly , meaningless discussions to purposely posting offensive , controversial or ignorant opinions .
Characteristics of an online troll :
• Blindness to evidence : Trolls are notorious for ignoring facts and either doubling down on their stance or redirecting to a new topic altogether .
• Name-calling : Internet trolls aren ’ t known for their creativity . They ’ ll often latch onto the latest trending insult and use it in every situation .
• Topic redirects : Trolls enjoy making off-topic remarks to try and distract posters from the discussion . They ’ ll also post unrelated images or memes .
• Condescending tone “ Why you mad , bro ?” Trolls love to stoke the fire and then act dismissive when people become angry , which only triggers more frustration . And they know it .
• Over exaggerating : While most people use words that aren ’ t absolute , there ’ s no middle ground for trolls . Everything has to be on the extreme end of the spectrum . Instead of saying “ often ” or “ sometimes ,” they ’ ll say “ always ” or “ never .”
Internet trolls thrive on sarcasm , insults , and drama so they ’ re only as big as you allow them to be . If you stoop to their level , they ’ re winning , as they know they succeeded in their goal to tick you off .
Keep in mind that trolls don ’ t often even believe what they ’ re saying ; they just want to say whatever comes to their mind to create chaos .
There ’ s something about the anonymity of the internet that brings out the worst in trolls .
Most of them wouldn ’ t dare engage in a direct face-to-face confrontation . But through the computer screen , they feel fearless yet never use their real names but rather use default avatars and different accounts . What motivates trolls to behave this way ?
It can range from boredom , a lack of satisfaction and / or direction in their own lives , to a desire to have you join them in their pool of misery .
Is trolling the same as cyberbullying ?
Trolling and cyberbullying are similar because they both happen online
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