Do you know what a troll is? These are people who appear in comment sections or social media in the internet and cause trouble for other users. Internet trolling is a widespread phenomenon and you have probably encountered it many times.
Internet trolls: who are they?
Who is an internet troll? The definition is not exact, but intuitively we all know that they are trolls. Some define them as people who deliberately incite and provoke discussions. Most researchers agree that what we call “trolling” is actually intentional. A real troll is an intentional troll. That’s why we often get comments like “you really don’t understand or you’re just making fun of us”.
Trolling is sometimes anti-social behaviour and on the Internet trolling occurs on discussion forums or social networks, i.e. on any site where one can comment and express opinions. There is a simple reason for this: for trolls to exist, there must be a room for discussion.
Trolls on the Internet
Interestingly, the term “trolling” comes from fishing terminology and refers to a way of fishing in which a lure is pulled behind a boat. Translated online, trolling is an often controversial comment meant to provoke further debate. The better the bait, the bigger the catch you will land. And to put it bluntly, the better the bait, the more people are drawn into a pointless discussion.
Once upon a time, trolling was a harmless activity. You could even say it was a bit humorous (but in a clever way), because it targeted new users in a particular community who were being tricked by older users. Those who fell for it were given the acronym YHBT: you’ve been tricked.
Today, trolling has a pejorative meaning. There is not much humour, but a lot of negativity.
How does a troll work?
Trolling is a deliberate activity that aims to divide a group of users. The aim of a troll is to provoke others into conversations, which usually have nothing to do with the main subject. This is done in an exaggerated and sometimes vulgar manner. These negative discussions do not respect the rules of online citizenship and provoke others.
Internet trolls write comments, posts or messages in which they stick to their views. They present a viewpoint or opinion that may seem unreasonable to a group of recipients. The more users participate in the discussion, the more forcefully the troll defends his or her point of view.
The Internet Troll
Another method is to pretend not to know a subject, which often leads to childish questions. Trolling often leads to joining a certain group with a certain point of view and challenging all members. Internet trolls have repeatedly invaded forums for mothers raising children, just as insulting jokes about ” dementia Joe ( Biden ) ” have been made in groups dedicated to him.
In terms of Atlantek Computers, we have not encountered many trolls as there is not much to make fun of. Every service and broadband package on offer is well thought out and all questions get answered promptly. If the discussion about internet packages has nothing to do with reality, facts or the product itself, our staff promptly reverses the course and is capable of dealing with the troll in an efficient manner.
Internet trolls post inflammatory messages that are totally irrelevant and have nothing to do with the subject of the newsgroup, forum or blog. Trolling often takes the form of aggression, especially when someone tries to silence the combatant with a reasoned argument.
Examples of Trolls – Where do trolls appear?
Yes you guessed it, exactly where you would expect, forum sections of all websites that enable comments to be displayed. All fibre packages that Atlantek Broadband offers, have security options available however dealing with trolls relies heavily upon the user who needs to determine if the person they converse with is one or not.
First of all, trolls appear anywhere they can converse with other users. They feel comfortable on forums, but are equally active on social media. It is not difficult to find examples of trolls in the comments on articles and in social groups.
It should also be said that internet trolling has many faces and behaves in many different ways. Trolls are frustrated people on the internet who like to insult others and are aggressive.
Internet trolls only exist as long as they can find someone to talk to.
If ignored, they become completely harmless and quickly let it go and move on elsewhere to make room for discussion and stimulation.
Never argue with such a user. Laugh at yourself and let him go before you decide to use your heaviest weapon to prove him wrong.
It is also effective to report these offenders to the administrator. Modern services offer a wide range of features that make it easier to block unwanted content. Users who repeatedly violate online etiquette, don’t follow group rules or simply don’t participate in discussions at all can be blocked immediately.
If someone is annoying you and you can’t stand their nonsense, ban them. Many services also offer this option, which is certainly better than arguing with internet trolls.