Posted on 01/05/2022 5:07:34 AM PST by jimjohn
The Proper Approach to Online Trolls
Interesting times we are living in, where we are in daily conflict with a progressive narrative that seeks our own destruction. This is a message to those as a caution to make sure we do not become our own worst enemy. While we seek to defeat said enemies, both foreign and domestic, we sometimes overlook the adversary within. In many cases, such an adversary may merely be a troubled soul; but just the same – a distraction.
I am referring to what is commonly known on social media as ‘a troll’: a person who for whatever reason, seeks to add nothing to enhance productive dialogue, but the opposite. These are the types who respond in threads with insults, snarky comments having little to nothing to do with the ongoing dialogue. It’s expected on other social platforms such as Twitter. Regrettably, it has too often found its way on to this forum.
I have experienced these types in the past, long before social media was even invented. In most cases, we learned it was a manner in which such persons were seeking attention they felt they deserved. In some cases, it was a deliberate attempt to change the subject matter; their way of interrupting the free flow of ideas, especially if said dialogue was constructive. In some cases, it was a subconscious cry for help. Loneliness, depression, and/or frustration with one’s self causes them to act out; jumping into the social pool as early as possible to gain attention, cause confusion, or just sharing their own frustration in life for the same reasons.
You’ll recognize them in the manner of their comments.
As we mature in life, we learn when engaging in human interaction, what matters most is not what happens to us, but how we respond to whatever comes. Regardless of how we respond, in the cases of the subjects of this writing, it is in fact the response – any response they seek. When a well-meaning person responds at what usually comes as a personal attack, the ‘troller’ has accomplished their goal of making the victim give unnecessary attention to those making the initial ‘snarky’ comment. They troll for your response, only to fire with more back in return. Arguing, insulting, and demeaning is their goal; with its primary purpose of bringing you down to their level.
But what we have learned from the past holds true today. The best response to such types is…
… No response at all.
A lack of response to their inflammatory comments allows proper dialogue to continue without interruption, and puts the ‘troller’ at odds. They must attempt to escalate the confrontation, knowing that by doing so, they will further expose themselves to who and what they really are. At a point – when they realize no one will give them their un-diserved attention, they will find another thread to harass. In many cases, when they finally recognize the social island on which they’ve placed themselves, perhaps some internal reflection may come upon them; where they learn to address others in a manner to which they expect to be addressed.
Until then, I would encourage all to respectfully ignore personal attacks on this and other forums. We have many battles to face in the coming months and there is no use wasting time battling others over ‘light and transient causes’, or people just ‘baiting’ a response just so they will have someone to talk to other than themselves. As new social platforms are being developed to counter others that have been poisoned by this type of behavior, let us all work to not become the social platform(s) that we oppose.
Just my $0.02
- jimjohn
(P.S. This post is not meant for anyone in particular. But if you feel that it is directed at you for some reason, you're probably right).
How about instead "ganging up" on them and "calling them out?" Yes, I understand that that would require a coordinated effort, but...
Regards,
Excellent!
Does this mean we can ignore Humblegunner’s diatribes against most all vanity and blog posts? ... Asking for a friend, of course.
;-)
My natural response is call them out. I don’t want the lie to stand. If you are right - deny them attention
“ Yes, I understand that that would require a coordinated effort,”
Ignoring them would also require coordination.
It's an idiotic position to have. Why do you care about 'blog hits'? Just enjoy the information, however you get it.
And is that all he trolls? Blog pimps? You aren't paying attention. You are aiding and abetting terrorists.
Not to worry, though. That's what you guys got me for.
#GreatWhiteHunter
Good idea. But it’s hard to ignore these bastards.
I “block” them on other social media. Sometimes they change identities and come back and I block them again.
I hate those bastards.
But you left out the other type. Those who go on social media, not for psychological need, but to steer opinion and thought like it's their job. And sometimes it is.
That's not the definition of 'troll', but something else. 'Shill' is one word for it. They do exist and they are here.
And they need exposing and punishment.
“It is as useless to argue with those who have renounced the use of reason as to administer medication to the dead.” - Jefferson
I just block -> report spam and move on. Anything else is time-inefficient.
But its so important to win arguments on the internet!
But its so important to win arguments on the internet!
Go on about your life, secure in the knowledge that you have many fulfilling things to occupy your time and energies.
Smile at the thought of the troll, poised to spew their venom, deriving some sick pleasure from it. Yet denied the opportunity by your indifference. In fact the troll is further insulted by your utter disregard of their provocations - their thoughts and opinions mean so little to you that you cannot be bothered to respond and engage.
It is actually a little sad, yet satisfying and funny to think of their frustration.
That’s not an argument that is just contradiction.
Troll!
$0.03 due to inflation
Counterpoint: there are thousands of good blog posts out there. I don’t look for them out there. I look for content here, on FR.
I am glad to see the content.
FR doesn’t make or lose revenue from these posts, to my understanding, so what’s the rub, really?
I welcome your thoughts.
Great post! I would send this to some of who I think are guilty parties, but I don’t remember their screen names.
Some have a DO NOT RESPOND list. I try to remember who not to reply to. Sometimes I forget, sometimes I don’t. But, they are out there. Sad lives to be snarky, berating, rude. Sorta leads folks to the answer to: “Can’t we all just get along?”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.