The Proper Approach to Online Trolls

self | jimjohn

[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).

[rlmorel]

Oh, this isn’t an argument!

[bagster]

That would be the best course of action, but sadly, too many still try to engage as if trolls can be reasoned with.

There are many styles of Gung Fu. Reason is one, but there are many, many others. Each troll requires a certain style, and some more than one. The trick is finding the right style. But proper training is essential.

Without the proper gung fu styles, engagement is not wise. Let the masters handle it. With that in mind, I am but a ping away.

If you could gain access to the undergound troll lair, you would see a dartboard with my Bagster face on it. They have suffered greatly at my hand, and they hold a grudge. Just ask 'em.

[rlmorel]

An argument isn’t just saying “No it isn’t”!

[joe fonebone]

bump for later

[drSteve78]

I do know that when Humblegunner and others point out what they find as obvious, that it saves me time and trouble to figure out on my own. Lazy perhaps on my part, for those things that i care little about, and yet, more often than not saves me the trouble of Troll Spotting.

Could they lie to me? sure they could, but common history is that some might occasionally be a PITA, but they aren’t wrong.

The thing with Trolls, point them out, then ostracize.

[drSteve78]

Is not!
———————-

Is so!

[drSteve78]

An argument isn’t just saying “No it isn’t”!
——————-

Per my wife, “Yes, it is!”

[drSteve78]

“.” /s

[griffin]

Karen

Yes, disagreement and belittling is no longer a valid way of enforcing social sanity.

Disagreement ist verboten. Mean words are verboten at all costs. SAY NOTHING!

Good thing you weren’t around when they put stupid people in stocks and conducted public hangings. You would have blown a hemroid in the mellon.

[Demiurge2]

“Troll” - Someone I disagree with who won’t go away.

[unsycophant]

What if some people got together and worked to out-troll, the trolls? Dosing them back with a taste of their own medicine...exposing their hidden liberalism...showing the weakness of their flawed characters....exposing that they aren’t really motivated by politics; beliefs; integrity...?

It might work with a group of people collaborating together with their individual skills. High tech, brilliant, and diabolical!

[Gaffer]

It’s not a troll problem here, especially with this vax. It’s a near-coordinated shill campaign to influence, persuade, mislead and/or stifle legitimate concerns over whatever it is (here, vaccinations). NOT answering them, then, is the wrong thing to do, IMO.

[Openurmind]

“It can be an unjust and unfair thing, though, to brand someone a “troll” based solely on some people’s interpretation of the posted material.”

Exactly right, sometimes the charge does not actually fit the action or intentions. Most times it happens to be a topic a certain user is very passionate about. But the “fit all go to” insult if you disagree is “Troll”.

Most times it is because they do not have the wit or intelligence to actually engage in productive debate so they resort to low IQ 4th grade playground name calling cause it is all they can muster.

[bagster]

An argument isn’t just saying “No it isn’t”!

"No it isn't".

"Yes it is".

[Osage Orange]

It's polite and good form to ping the person you are mentioning....FWIW-

[bagster]

NOT answering them, then, is the wrong thing to do, IMO.

Absolutely correct. Not anwering them allows them to set, or even just give the appearance, that their's is the general opinion and the truth.

And the sheep will follow. There are many sheep, and they must be presented with the truth or the derp state wins their sheeply hearts and minds, and they win.

[bagster]

It's polite and good form to ping the person you are mentioning....FWIW-

In the age of Covid, it's prison rules.

[StAnDeliver]

Anyone who is vitiated by their own words should find another hobby.

[MHGinTN]

[roving]

He never contributes to anything. Regardless if its a blog or not.

In case you didn’t know, you or him don’t have to click on everything. Just click on news. This site has sections.