Question

It is distressing to see how many people are willing to use inflammatory, derogatory, and unnecessarily hash statements to the point that the phrase “Internet troll” has been given to describe people with such behaviors. What are your feelings about this behavior, your perception of its impact and consequences, and what action, if any, that should be take to stop such behaviors. Explain your rationale.

Answer 1

• Trolls are strongly characterized by the trait of "negative social potency." This is a measure of a person's cruelty and willingness to use others for their own gain.
• Classic Trolls have been around since the birth of the internet and social media. They are online users who randomly choose other online users to anger, provoke and defame.Like all trolls, Classic Trolls are driven by needs for power, recognition, peer acceptance, and control. Their primary goal is to incite their target to anger. Once they have achieved this aim, they typically move on to another target.
• The motivations for an Internet Troll’s provocative, and often times, bizarre behaviors are many. Despite the variations in modus operandi, the majority of Trolls are seeking attention, recognition, stimulation pseudo-notoriety and retribution for some unknown perceived injustice. Although there is no evidence or clinical research validating the psychology of the Internet Troll, it is commonly believed that the “Veil of Anonymity” afforded to every online user inspires some to engage in egregious behaviors.
• Once a troll has decided to target you, they zero in on you with laser vision. Everything you say or do online suddenly becomes ammunition for their attacks. They also insult you and attempt to make you feel bad about yourself. The goal is to humiliate you online and damage your reputation.
• Trolls want to destroy you online. They will never acknowledge the points you make nor will they recognize anything good about you. Instead, they will find a way use those things against you. Their goal is to undermine you as much as they can.
• They break you down and torture you by turning your words against you. They twist your statements and pound away at every aspect of your viewpoint. No matter what you say, trolls question you as a person. What's more, these accusations make you doubt who you are and what you believe. They also can damage your self-esteem.
• Even when you, or others online, call out trolls for being wrong or not stating the facts, they will keep on trolling. In fact, the more you or others argue or engage with them, the more fun they have. They do not care about being right. They want to create chaos and disrupt conversations.
• Trolls run on some insecurities and personality issues in their life,that is why they never troll from their real account,but always make a fake account,to rant and disobey basic humanity rules of being nice.They might be experiencing some incompleteness or failures,which might motivate them to engage in such behaviour making them feel good about themselves. Reading their comments is emotionally disturbing and can have adverse effects on someone's mental health.
• How to deal with this mean behavior:-There is no particular way to stop internet trolls,but we can be strong in dealing with them or not dealing by being completely indifferent.I think the best way to deal with them is to ignore them and not acknowldege any comments,which will ultimately make them tired,when they wont get any attention.Its not easy,but is an effective method for maintaining one's sanity.
• Do not be afraid to reach out to other people and ask for help. Keeping your feelings inside is not healthy. Find a trusted friend or counselor and share your feelings. Talk about how this situation makes you feel and ask for advice on how to heal from it going forward.
• Because trolling happens online, you need to make space in your life where you can be free of technology. Having a dedicated space in your home that is technology free helps. Then, listen to music, read or write in a journal. But be sure to avoid being online as much as you can. You need a break from the chaos. Trying to read the comments and respond to the troll is not only draining but it’s also not good for your emotional health.
• Do not give a troll power over your life. Instead of dwelling on your embarrassment, stand up for yourself. This does not mean responding to the troll, but instead block him and report his behaviors to the proper authorities. Doing so will help you feel empowered.
• Sometimes it could lead to bullying as well,so you can take help of cyber police to track them down and file a case aganist them.