The topic of internet “trolls” comes up fairly frequently on television shows and in movies, and we run into them often on social media. Here, I may stray a little from the strict definition of troll; my working definition is “a person who causes distress, pain, frustration, or anger through their comments for no other practical purpose than their own satisfaction.”
Being a troll isn’t good. In real life, trolls are often bullies. When someone acts like a troll, they are making no contribution to society; rather, they make it harder for everyone else to be constructive and to enjoy life.
Some people are trolls on purpose, but any of us can be a troll at times if we’re not careful. If you don’t want to be a troll, then before you post a negative or contradictory comment, ask yourself the following questions:
Am I disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing?
If this is the case, I am definitely a troll.
What do I hope to achieve by this comment? Am I making a contribution to the conversation by providing reasons or reliable data, or am I just venting and/or seeking to get a reaction?
If the latter is the case, I am a troll.
Is my post disrespectful in tone, vocabulary, or content?
If so, I am a troll.
Did I actually read what I am commenting on (not just the title or subtitle) with an open mind, or am I reacting without really understanding the perspective of the poster? If I haven’t taken the time to read and understand the post, and am still disagreeing …
I might be a troll. (Although I might just be lazy and superficial.)
If my comment misrepresents and/or fails to recognize the nuances of what I am objecting to …
I might be a troll.
If I am disagreeing with this post on a matter of fact, have I checked my own facts? Or am I reacting with my gut, based on vague memories, general impressions, prejudices, or hearsay?
If I can’t back up my comment with evidence, I might be a troll.
If I am disagreeing on a matter of opinion or taste, does my comment imply that anyone with a different opinion or taste is stupid, ignorant, etc.?
If I can’t disagree while respecting other people’s equal right to disagree (respectfully) with me, then I am a troll.
Is my comment relevant to what is being expressed, or am I attacking something irrelevant to the content/purpose of the post?
If my comment is negative and irrelevant, I am effectively a troll.
Is my comment rejecting something that was never intended for me to begin with?
If so, I am a troll.
Do I always disagree with this person or organization’s posts, and always express that disagreement, even though nothing ever changes and no one ever engages in dialog with me?
Then I am probably not the intended audience, and I am a troll.
Is the tone of my posts and comments predominantly negative about everyone but myself?
If I mostly criticize or mock others and the things they do, I’m a troll.
It is totally possible to disagree with others, to contest their claims, to express dissatisfaction, etc., without being a troll; civilized disagreement is natural and important, and can lead to progress. The key is to be informed, respectful, relevant, factual, and objective.
Don’t be a troll.
Read more:
Trolls-Be-Gone! Francis Wants an Internet Like a “Home or a Family”
And today we celebrate...