Ever get in an argument on social media? Internet trolls are people who lurk on various social media platforms looking to upset others for their enjoyment. Similar to schoolyard bullies, there are some telltale signs and ways to handle them. Find out more below.
What Is An Internet Troll?
An internet troll is someone who posts/ make intentionally inflammatory, mean spirited, or upsetting comments to start arguments. Most trolls will make these comments on unrelated threads or other’s posting to steer the topic off a conversation. Trolls come in many forms, but most do it for their amusement.
While it draws comparison to cyberbullying, online trolling is its own thing. Traditionally, the comments are not directed at any specific person. For them to succeed, other people need to take notice and get provoked. Trolls lurk are on online gathering places. For example, find them on online forums, Twitter, and the comment sections on sites like YouTube or news outlets.
Indicators Of A Online Troll
With everyone has their own opinions, sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish a troll from a strongly opinionated person. While difficult to detect, below are some commons signs of an online troll are:
- Refusal to accept evidence, regardless of how many sources you provide
- Obliviousness to those responding to their comments
- Off-topic remarks
- Using unrelated pictures or memes
- Overall condescending tone
However, the characteristics are by no means definitive. If someone seems uninterested in a real discussion and act provocative for no reason, they are likely a troll.
What To Do About Them
Firstly, the best tactic in handling online trolls is to ignore them. They will make it very difficult, as their comments will typically warrant a response. However the more you feed them, the more successful they are. Don’t take them seriously. Lastly, if they don’t go away on their own, report them to the site moderators or admins. They have the power to boot them from the conversation.
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