An internet troll aims to distract from discussion topics, create an unpleasant atmosphere, and make others feel uneasy. Very often, they want to be noticed or be in command by provoking and upsetting their victims with insults, false information, or meaningless interruptions.
That’s why it’s crucial for any online user to know how to deal with such people and manage the situation. This piece will look at what makes someone an internet troll, how they can hurt others, and how to avoid them.
What is an internet troll?
An internet troll is someone who purposely posts upsetting, exaggerated, or false messages online just to upset others. Bullying gives them enjoyment by creating drama, upsetting people or causing confusion whenever they wish.
Since most trolls use fake accounts, they can easily get away with their behavior on social media, forums and comment sections. Some of what they do falls within teasing, while some types are closer to harassment or bullying.
Key characteristics of trolling:
- Anonymity: The use of fake accounts gives trolls a way to act without being responsible.
- Provocative language: Many of them choose to communicate in ways that are meant to shock or upset their target audience.
- Desire for attention: Trolls want to get noticed and interact with people by causing upset, confusion or anger:
- Lack of empathy: Very rarely are they concerned about the feelings and thoughts their actions cause to others.
- Disruptive behavior: Frequently, they disrupt the discussion, post about unrelated topics or even misinterpret others to cause disagreements.
- Persistence: They will not stop after being blocked or warned and instead use different usernames.
Types of trolling:
- Harassment trolling: It means attacking others by issuing threats, insulting them or sharing their personal details.
- Provocation trolling: A maneuver meant to fuel controversy by spreading offensive opinions, generally choosing no direct target.
- Spam trolling: Flood the discussion areas with extra messages that don’t help and are the same over and over again.
- Satirical trolling: Teases or points out problems with others by using sarcasm, irony or parody and often explains it away as just a joke.
- Concern trolling: Will give feedback that sounds like support, yet it is truly critical or manipulative to put the target down without being direct.
Keep your kids safe from online trolls
What do internet trolls do?
To effectively manage internet trolls, you need to understand the tactics they use, allowing you to prepare efficiently. While trolls have many ways they can use to get at you, there are ways they frequently use.
Some of the methods they use include, insulting, name calling, posting offensive content, flooding with comments, and deliberately twisting your words to make you look bad. They also use bait to provoke you to respond with their main aim being to anger you. The best thing you can do when you encounter any of these situations is to avoid responding.
Trolls vs online critics
Although internet trolls and online critics mostly portray negative things, their intentions are not the same. Trolls usually act to upset and disturb groups by saying insulting or misleading comments. Most of the time, they don’t care what it’s about and just want attention.
On the other hand, online critics give feedback that reflects their actual worries. Although they can be sometimes harsh, they are intended to help and they base their points on facts or through polite conversations.
How to identify an internet troll
Being able to recognize internet trolls helps you enjoy online discussions more. It’s easy for trolls to hide and appear in online communities, social media, forum, or video game comments as regular users. This is how you can identify trolls without trying too hard.
Their main goal is to provoke reactions
Whenever someone tries over and over again to provoke you, it could be a sign of trolling. There’s no discussion topic that will prevent trolls from trying to upset others or argue.
Often, you’ll notice them post statements that try to anger people, use offensive jokes to attract attention, or share views that spark debate. While fanatics can be serious with their opinions, trolls always try to infuriate others without offering positive contributions.
Hostile or mocking language
Trolls like to use sarcasm and insults when they speak with others online. They could try to influence people’s thoughts by shouting, calling others insulting names, or using sarcastic emojis. It makes them different from real critics, whose comments stay on topic and are still firm but polite.
Discussions are frequently derailed
One thing trolls often do is steer topics away from the main subject. A topic about one issue could be replaced with other random subjects that aren’t connected to the main topic.
The intention is to make things meaningless and for people to get confused, upset and focus less on discussions that matter. Anyone who often changes the subject on social platforms or discusses unrelated sensitive issues is likely trolling.
They avoid genuine dialogue
Most trolls do not present facts to support their statements and tend to avoid honest discussions. Faced with a challenge, some people will shrug off questions, pass over important points, or distort others’ statements to avoid ending the argument.
Sincere critics are willing to say what they think and still be respectful, but trolls won’t be straightforward about what they mean. Their tactics are to manipulate and deflect, instead of using rational discussion.
Profiles often seem suspicious or anonymous
A lot of trolls use accounts without photos, generic usernames, and almost no history of activity. Because these are new accounts or they’re obviously fake, trolls do not face real consequences for their actions if someone reports them. Trolls remain anonymous and that protects them from consequences of harassing others.
The impact of internet trolls on online communities
Internet trolls do more than bother people online, they can seriously damage the sense of well-being and safety of online spaces. These are what you need to know in terms of what trolls do to online communities.
Disrupting meaningful conversations
Trolls sometimes ruin conversations by sharing unrelated points, making personal attacks, or sharing things meant to provoke others. For participants who come to talk freely and learn, this can result in frustration, puzzlement, or emotional distress.
Spreading misinformation and false narratives
Online trolls mostly share things that are not true, either as a way to amuse and sometimes to intentionally mislead. And this causes the most harm where popular opinions spread fast. During political or educational discussions, individuals who troll can lead to confusion, the popularization of misguided ideas, or an increase in conspiracy theories.
Creating a hostile and unsafe environment
Trolls’ aggressive, mocking, or threatening moves can easily bring about feelings of unease or leave people irritated. People who fall victim to trolling could face harassment, insults or personality attacks many times.
Effective strategies for dealing with internet trolls
Even though internet trolls enjoy getting noticed and causing trouble, it doesn’t mean you can’t stand up against them. If you’re someone who interacts with online groups, being able to manage trolls helps keep the discussions positive.
Ignore and don’t engage
Paying no attention to trolls will help shut down their attempts to draw reactions from you. In many cases, leaving the other party with no response is the best approach. When you refuse to engage in an argument, you prevent them from feeling successful. Eventually, many trolls will disappear when they realize that no one is reacting.
Use blocking and reporting tools
Most sites provide tools for blocking other users and for reporting cases of inappropriate behavior. When you block someone, they cannot reach or communicate with you, stopping the effect their comments might have on you.
Keep communities well moderated
Good and consistent moderation prevents trolling. Community managers ought to set rules, keep an eye on what is being posted, and step in when needed. If people break the rules with trolling, warnings, removing messages or bans let them know it isn’t acceptable. Trolls tend not to invade a space when it is well-moderated from the beginning.
What should you do if you encounter an internet troll?
Encountering an internet troll is frustrating, especially when they bother you or disrupt what you’re talking about online. That means that how you manage the situation matters a lot to your overall well-being. Staying calm and taking proper actions can help you and your community avoid the troll from taking over.
For kids and teens
Kids and teenagers need to be cautious and know how to manage internet trolls. If you ever encounter trolls on the internet, these are the steps you should take to protect yourself before the situation escalates.
- Don’t engage or respond: Trolls often thrive on people’s response and frustration. That’s why ignoring them is the best way to protect yourself.
- Block and report: Almost all social networks provide tools for users to report or block people they find unpleasant.
- Take screenshots: Take a screenshot or picture if the troll makes any threat or upsetting comment.
- Talk to a trusted adult: Should you ever feel frightened, sad or confused by a troll online, inform a parent, teacher or guardian.
For general users
Trolls can show up on social media, online forums, blogs or other kinds of online groups. They are guided by anger and disorder, but you and your community can be protected when you take these actions.
Enable content filters and moderation tools: Adjust your settings to block offensive words, hide comments you find harmful, or check suspected messages before they appear for your followers.
Avoid giving them attention: Emotional reactions are exactly what trolls hope to get. If you don’t respond and keep ignoring them, they may stop noticing you.
Stay focused on constructive dialogue: Change the subject to topics where you can have a good, respectful conversation. A positive community culture stops trolling and makes it less attractive to troll.
How to help your child build resilience against internet troll
Helping kids deal with internet trolls isn’t only about not getting hurt—it’s also about boosting their digital and emotional strength over time. Below are a few things parents can do to help their children become resilient.
Encourage digital confidence
Let your child know how to use platform options like blocking, reporting and muting. A person who can oversee their online space usually feels less at risk from trolling. If you teach them how to manage social media, they gain the confidence and skills they need for difficult situations.
Teach emotional regulation
Not every comment requires a reply, especially if it’s meant to bait you. Make sure your child knows it’s okay to take a moment before responding and to realize when a person is simply trying to upset them. If you help them manage their feelings in these situations, trolls are unlikely to upset them.
Promote positive online communities
Point your child to online communities where they can find support, encouragement or like-minded individuals. Being part of positive groups can help children avoid seeing negative things. Taking steps to limit screen time can help your child avoid emotional stress and manage any online conflicts that may arise from time to time.
Use monitoring tools to stay informed
Managing kids is a difficult task that parents can’t do on their own, especially when they have other duties to attend to. That’s why it is important for them to identify tools and apps that can help them stay informed on all of their kids’ online activities. A good parental control tool will give you insight into your kids online activities and make it easier for you to identify trolls.
One app that embodies such features is FlashGet Kids. It helps parents manage and protect their kids from online dangers. It features a screen mirroring capability that allows you to view what your kids are doing on their phones in real-time. You can also use the screen time feature to manage the amount of time your kids spend on their devices.
Conclusion
Younger users are often the most vulnerable to internet trolling, as they may not be experienced to handle it effectively. Understanding trolls, and helping kids become confident online can help build safer online experience.
Using apps like FlashGet Kids can also give parents an option to keep track of notifications, keep tabs on screen time, and notice any concerns about kids’ device usage. With FlashGet Kids and proper support, your kids will have confidence when they come across trolls.
