Social Media – The Rise of the Internet Troll
The term “troll” has existed for centuries, often tied to mythological creatures in fantasy tales. However, it took on a new meaning in the digital age with the rise of social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, transforming into a symbol of malicious online behavior.
What is Trolling?
Trolling refers to the act of posting defamatory or harmful messages online, often aimed at provoking distress or offense. Those who engage in this behavior, known as internet trolls, target individuals, businesses, or organizations with malicious intent. Trolling can occur across various platforms, from social media to forums and blogs. In some cases, legal action may be warranted if the content crosses the line into defamation.
Why Do People Troll Online?
The motives behind trolling vary widely. Some trolls seek to disrupt conversations by spreading rumors or sparking arguments. For others, the perceived anonymity of the internet emboldens them to make comments they wouldn’t dare to express in real life.
If someone publishes or shares statements that harm your reputation, expose you to ridicule, or cause others to view you negatively, they may be guilty of defamation. While motives differ, trolling remains an unpleasant and, at times, dangerous act.
How to Handle Trolling
If you find yourself a victim of trolling, there are several steps you can take to mitigate or avoid the situation:
Avoid Direct Engagement: Responding to trolls often escalates the conflict, much like a heated face-to-face argument.
Utilize Platform Tools: Most social media platforms, like Twitter, offer tools such as block and report functions. Blocking a troll prevents them from interacting with your content, although persistent trolls may use multiple accounts to bypass restrictions.
Seek Support: Unfortunately, reporting trolls through platforms’ systems may not always yield results, as automated responses are common. As Bill Maher once humorously remarked, “The internet does not just radicalize would-be terrorists; it radicalizes everybody.”
Consider Legal Action: If the trolling involves defamation or poses a serious threat, it’s wise to consult legal experts. There are numerous online resources offering guidance, but professional advice can provide the clarity needed to protect yourself.
If another person has said or published something that has damaged your reputation, exposed you to ill feeling or ridicule, caused others to avoid you or think less of you, then they may be liable for defamation.
Whatever the motive, trolling is an unpleasant act and one which can on occasion be deemed dangerous.
How do you stop it?
If you have become the victim of trolling, there are many steps that you can take in order to ease or avoid the situation. Responding directly to a troll may not necessarily get you the right results. Imagine a real-life confrontation; sometimes, directly responding to an intimidating or offensive comment will lead to a situation escalating; much the same can be said for a conversation online.
Social media channels have tools in place to help you avoid unwanted engagement. Twitter, for example, has a block function whereby a user can block another user from engaging with his/her Twitter feed. This is not necessarily the most effective means of avoidance; however, as Internet users may use multiple Twitter handles and in doing so send you unwanted messages from other channels.
The internet does not just radicalize would-be terrorists, it radicalizes everybody.https://t.co/K9YAGxYUHA
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) June 27, 2016
Bill Maher expressed his point in a funny way, but it’s really true. Those who have been hurt by Twitter trolls, won’t get help from Twitter. They don’t do anything if you report a defamer and troll via their report system. You only get cliche autoresponders from them.
If you feel that you wish to take your case to a higher authority, there is a wide array of advice online and it is advisable to seek legal help before the situation escalates any further.
Visit the link below:
Online Reputation Management ( ORM)