Internet+Trolling

Overview
Individuals who post odd messages in online public conversations to upset those participating are known as “trolls." The word “troll” is slang for both the individual writing the message, and the message itself. “Troll” comes from the French word, “troller,” which is a word having to do with hunting. “Trolling” is also a term used for catching fish. It is a method that involves hanging bait off a moving boat in attempt to lure the fish. Internet trolling started in the 1980s, and has the same goal. By posting messages in online conversations, the trolls look to raise emotions and get the participants upset in the group discussion.

Trolls can be found in almost any online site that involves public conversation such as chat rooms, and blogs. They are, however, fairly easy to recognize. This is because they tend to write comments that are very different from what others have posted. Comments can be different in ways such as being inappropriate, obviously upsetting, or they simply do not fit in with how everyone else is speaking. If there are comments that seem to be off topic, but it is still unclear as to whether or not the individual is trolling, there are a few steps to follow. First, it may be a good idea to look into their profile. If they appear to be unidentifiable in their profile, or if they have posted strange comments in the past, they are probably trolling. If the messages are in fact from a troll, they should be dealt with in order to stop the disruption.

Trolls are posting these messages with the hope that someone will reply to them. They are looking for an argument, and paying them any attention is giving them what they want. Therefore, the best way to deal with a troll is to ignore them. DFTT is an acronym for “Don’t Feed the Trolls.” On blog sites, this is often the solution to dealing with trolls. It means not paying the trolls any attention. Trolls will usually stop bothering the conversation if they feel they are being ignored, because they are looking to start arguments with people. Another way to deal with trolls on blogs is to be nice to them. Since they are looking for a fight, agreeing with them and accepting their comment is the exact opposite of what they hoped would happen. This may make them want to go away because they are not getting the reaction they had anticipated. It is also possible to block unwanted messages if DFTT and kindness does not work. However, blocking messages may annoy other individuals who post on the blog. If none of these methods work and the trolling continues, it may be necessary to seek help through the site being used to make sure they are not dangerous and the behavior does not become a problem. For more information on stopping trolls, click here.

There is really no reason for trolls to troll. They can do it because they are bored, lonely, or think it’s funny. While they may be very annoying, they are usually harmless. It is important to ignore the trolls so that the interrupting messages will hopefully stop.

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