There is no denying the fact that Internet Trolls, those digital mischief-makers, are unprecedentedly prowling the vast expanse of cyberspace, leaving chaos in their wake. From anonymous forums to social media platforms, they sow discord, incite hate, and disrupt conversations. But how can these elusive creatures be spotted?
In order to find an answer to the foregoing question, it is expedient to delve into their tactics and learn how to protect ourselves from their venomous barbs.
For the sake of clarity in this context, it is expedient to ask, “Who Is an Internet Troll?” The foregoing question cannot be farfetched as Trolls are internet users who thrive on off-topic and inflammatory messages. They deliberately provoke individuals or groups, sparking online wars for their own amusement. Some wander alone, while others form packs to disrupt forums and push their agendas.
Again, it is expedient to ask, “Where do Trolls lurk?” They lurk around anonymous online forums, and some famous social media platforms that cut across Facebook, Linkedin, X, Reddit, 4chan, and Quora. Without a doubt, the foregoing platforms provide fertile ground for Trolls, even as their anonymity shields them from accountability.
In fact, Trolls hijack trending conversations, injecting venomous remarks and rants on comment sections. Without sounding exaggerative in this context, Facebook remains a hotspot as passionate fans and political enthusiasts become their unwitting prey.
At this juncture, it is germane to counsel that the best way to spot a Troll is to look out for certain signs, and such signs cut across off-topic comments. This is as Trolls disrupt by posting irrelevant remarks.
In a similar vein, they always come across on virtual space by condescendingly dismissing arguments with phrases like “Calm down” or “Why so angry?”
Still in the same vein, Trolls ignore hard facts; they are not interested in conclusions. Given the foregoing, it is expedient to remember that Trolls do not just prowl comment sections, they infiltrate dating scams, create fake profiles, and even engage in sextortion. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient for every internet user to stay vigilant, and keep the web a safer place by unfollowing or unfriending any internet user perceivably identified to be a Troll.
Against the backdrop of the foregoing, it is germane to opine that it is exigent for everyone to strive in navigating the murky waters of the internet, particularly on social media platforms by not literarily wrestling with Trolls who are proverbially like dirty pigs that are capable of leaving anyone stained.
In fact, in the vast digital ocean, Internet Trolls lurk like murky debris. Their sole purpose seems to be muddying the waters, disrupting civil discourse, and spreading negativity. But what happens when you engage with them? Much like wrestling in a mud pit with a pig, you risk getting dirty yourself.
Picture this: You are innocently scrolling through social media, and suddenly, there it is, a provocative comment. Your instincts kick in. You want to set things straight, defend your viewpoint, and emerge victorious. But beware! Trolls thrive on attention. Engaging with them is like stepping into quicksand, you sink deeper, and the muck clings to you.
In fact, Trolls use various kinds of dirty tactics. They wield an arsenal of tactics as they more often than not use Ad Hominem Attacks. They will insult your intelligence, appearance, or even your choice of food.
Also, they use Straw Man Arguments which entails twisting your words, creating a flimsy effigy of your argument to attack, even as they also resort to Red Herrings, which is like a magician’s misdirection, by diverting the conversation away from the main issue.
Another is gas lighting which they use by making you doubt your sanity, leaving you questioning reality. Given the foregoing tactics been used by Trolls, it is not a misnomer to opine that the Troll Traps are collectively potent enough to push anyone to a sticky situation.
Engaging with Trolls has consequences beyond the immediate exchange. It pollutes your mental space, saps your energy, and, here is the kicker, normalizes their behavior. By wrestling with them, you inadvertently validate their existence. It is like trying to clean mud off your shoes by stomping in more mud.
Given the foregoing there must be a clean solution, and so, what is the alternative? Therefore, do not wrestle the trolls. Instead, disengage them by either unfriending them, unfollowing them or outrightly blocking them. The foregoing tripartite solutions can be applied by starving them of attention. This is as they thrive on reactions.
Also, they can be reported by hitting the “Report” button like a champ. Block them faster than a ninja dodges a shuriken. In a similar vein, spreading positivity is another way of tackling the menace by counteracting their negativity with kindness. With the foregoing solutions, there is no you way you cannot feel the digital equivalent of a fresh breeze.
Remember, wrestling Trolls is not a noble battle, it is a mudslinging contest. Therefore, there is need to rise above, stay clean, and let the Trolls wallow in their own filth.
