For anyone in this day and age, who has been online for a while, would have likely run into some weird comment or two- also known as TROLLS. So what is an internet troll actually? It is someone who makes inflammatory, upsetting or rude remarks and statements on the intent, causing mental harm and bringing about strong responses emotionally from people; sometimes to go off-topic as well. Most trolls do this for one thing- their own happiness and amusement, but some are done for a specific reason and an agenda in mind.
How can you tell if someone is trolling?
Its tough to pinpoint exactly whether someone is trolling for real or just comments to start an argument about something. But there are a few tell-tale signs that you should be wary about. Such as-
- Someone going off the topic- even off the subject for that matter, to disrupt conversations and to annoy the author of the post.
- When one refuses to acknowledge proof- trollers ignore hard cold facts and evidence when you present them with one. They would pretend as though they never saw it
- They have a condescending and a dismissive tone- “why you mad” is what they would ask someone who is angry- mostly directed to the author who shut them up. This is don’t for provocation and to dismiss their argument as well.
- Use of memes and unrelated imagery- trollers would use this to reply to comments, and they use gifs as well
- Oblivious to your comments- even if you put trollers down, they wouldn’t react and would seem oblivious to the comments you have made.
A leading online journal by the name Searchenginejournal.com did some research on trolling and the effects trolling has on individuals. This is what they have to say “Unfortunately, the trolls of today have escalated into a much more malicious force of hate than the original jokesters that were prevalent back in the ’90s. Now, 41% of Americans have experienced some form of online harassment.”. it is also believed that what has become more common are stalking, threatening, physical threats and cyber bulling, along with sexual harassment online, say the experts.
Here’s how you can shut them down.
1. Ignore and starve them
Ignore them, you must. It holds a lot of merit doing that. Trollers thrive on the responses you give, so they can provoke you more. It is tough to hold back, but if you don’t, you would be adding more fuel to the lit fire. This is why celebs ignore trollers the most.
Celebrities such as Gary Lineker and even Aisling Bea- a comedian- back a new guide which tells one how to deal with online trolling and abuse. Here is a reportwhich comes from the well-known Center for Countering Digital Hate, which says trolls look for provocation and hate generation- nothing short of that. They also spread a lot of misinformation. According to bbc.com, “The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) report focused specifically on political trolls with extremist ideologies that “vary considerably”.
Presenter Rachel Riley says she ignored trolls who abused her for being a woman or a football fan “because I knew that those kind of trolls were just after attention”.
2. You be the Boss!
It is your platform, and you should be in charge of it- not them. Be it your website, your blog, your social media profile or just another discussion forum, remember, you are the boss. You should set down ground rules of a ‘no troll policy’.
3. Call their nonsense, if you cannot ignore it
Trollers do not want to engage in rational and civilized conversations. They rather be much happy trolling and arguing about things that don’t make sense and have no logic. None of them can debate strong enough though. What you need to do then is to be calm and ask them to present facts to you for their claims made. In most cases, they wouldn’t have any and they will shut their traps up. Trollers want a heated debate and they are passionate about it- you didn’t let any of that happen and denied them that.
Buzzfeed.comreports “On Twitter, a troll told Janelle Monáe to “stop being so soulful and be sexy,” so they reminded them, “I’m not for male consumption.”
4. Try and record the trolls if need be
If possible, get a screenshot done and record what the original post was. This would cover you, when the troller has realized that he or she could fall into trouble for what they commented on your post. Screenshots come in handy, if legal courses are to be taken.
5. Talk to someone trustworthy
If trolling is getting you down, talk to someone you trust. Getting trolled can be tough, but talking to someone can make you feel good about yourself. Choose someone who is trustworthy though, and think beforehand what you want to talk about. Is it the trolling experience, how it affects you, and what kind of help you need from them.
6. Use online tools and moderators
If you can, then go ahead and hire professionals to moderate your online site or blog or social media platform. They would be incharge or approving or removing comments that are apt or not.
- Create a community union online
If you have a community online that is loyal, you don’t have to fret too much about the trollers and their activities. Members who are loyal to you would monitor their activities on your behalf.
8. Make amendments to your mistakes
Experts say that if you as a host is being pointed out by a troll that you have made a mistake, online, its time for you to make corrections, if you have truly erred. Make proper corrections and apologize for the same. And also let the person who pointed out that mistake to you, know that you have made amendments for the same, and thank them for pointing it out as well.
So by now you may have learnt a little more about internet trolling and what you should do if you are victim to the same. If you have any experiences of your own to share- being trolled or monitoring such activities on someone’s behalf, do share your experiences with us.
Its good to have a social media profile, blog or forum, but when the trolls come and attack it gets out of hand at times. And we hope our 8 tips helps you overcome the same.
