Internet trolls are people who leave intentionally provocative or offensive messages on the internet in order to get attention, cause trouble or upset someone. They can be found on social media platforms, online forums, comment sections, and anywhere else where people can express their opinions online. They can be annoying, frustrating, and even harmful to your mental health if you let them get to you.
But why do people troll and what can you do about it? In this blog, we will explore the psychology of internet trolls, the signs that someone is trolling, and some effective tactics to defeat them.
The Psychology of Internet Trolls
Internet trolls are not what most of us would consider to be well-adjusted. Research has shown that many of them have personality traits such as psychopathy, Machiavellianism, sadism, and narcissism. These traits make them insensitive to the feelings of others, manipulative, cruel, and self-centred.
Internet trolls also have different motives for their behaviour. Some of them may troll for amusem*nt, to get a reaction from others, or to feel superior. Others may troll for ideological reasons, to push a certain agenda or to attack people who disagree with them. And some may troll for personal reasons, to vent their anger or frustration, or to cope with their own insecurities or problems.
Internet trolls are not like normal people who have constructive conversations online. They are not interested in learning new things, exchanging ideas, or respecting different perspectives. They are only interested in provoking and upsetting others for their own benefit.
The Signs of Internet Trolling
It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a troll and someone who just genuinely wants to argue about a topic. However, there are some signs that can help you identify a troll and avoid wasting your time and energy on them. Some of the signs of internet trolling are:
- Off-topic remarks: Trolls often go off-topic from the subject at hand, to annoy and disrupt other posters.
- Refusal to acknowledge evidence: Trolls ignore facts and logic that contradict their views, and either double down on their stance or change the topic altogether.
- Name-calling: Trolls resort to personal attacks and insults instead of engaging in civil discourse.
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- Exaggeration: Trolls use hyperbole and extreme statements to make their points seem more valid or important.
- Contradiction: Trolls often contradict themselves or change their opinions depending on who they are talking to.
- Sarcasm: Trolls use sarcasm and irony to mock and belittle others.
- Repetition: Trolls repeat the same arguments or questions over and over again, even after they have been answered or refuted.
- False claims: Trolls make false or misleading claims about themselves or others, such as pretending to be experts or victims.
- Baiting: Trolls try to bait others into responding by asking provocative or controversial questions or making outrageous statements.
If you encounter someone who exhibits these signs online, chances are they are a troll and not worth your attention.
The Tactics to Defeat Internet Trolls
Internet trolls can be annoying and frustrating, but they can also be harmful to your mental health if you let them affect you. Studies have shown that exposure to online harassment can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts. Therefore, it is important to know how to deal with trolls and protect yourself from their negativity.
Here are some tips on how to deal with internet trolls:
- Ignore them: The best way to deal with trolls is to ignore them. Trolls want attention and validation from others. If you don't give them what they want, they will lose interest and move on. Don't feed the trolls by responding or engaging with them.
- Use humour or love: Another way to deal with trolls is to use humour or love. Humour can help you diffuse the tension and make light of the situation. Love can help you show compassion and empathy for the troll, who may be suffering from their own issues. By using humour or love, you can disarm the troll and make them feel less powerful.
- Report them: If a troll is violating the rules or policies of the platform they are using, you can report them to the moderators or administrators. Reporting can help prevent further harassment and abuse from the troll. It can also help protect other users from being targeted by the troll.
- Block them: If a troll is persistent or abusive, you can block them from contacting you or seeing your posts. Blocking can help you avoid further interaction and exposure to the troll. It can also help you create a safe and positive online space for yourself and others.
- Seek support: If a troll is affecting your mental health or well-being, you can seek support from your friends, family, or professionals. Support can help you cope with the stress and emotions caused by the troll. It can also help you gain perspective and confidence in yourself.
Internet trolls are people who want to provoke and upset others online for their own amusem*nt or agenda. They are not like normal people who have constructive conversations online. They are often driven by personality disorders or psychological issues. You can spot them by their signs of trolling, such as off-topic remarks, refusal to acknowledge evidence, name-calling, exaggeration, contradiction, sarcasm, repetition, false claims, and baiting. You can deal with them by ignoring them, using humour or love, reporting them, blocking them, or seeking support. By doing so, you can defeat internet trolls and protect your mental health.
Or just give them a massive wedgie, when and if you meet them.
