You may have heard the term ‘troll’ when discussing social media. I don’t mean the green creature from children’s books that lives under a bridge. A social media troll is someone who deliberately posts negative, hurtful, insulting or upsetting posts on social media usually by commenting on other people’s posts.
They are called trolls as the mythical creature would often hide under a bridge. That is exactly what social media trolls are doing – hiding. Social media trolls usually do not have a profile picture and will use a fake name or nickname meaning they cannot be identified.
Trolls may sometimes be confused with someone who is simply angry. The difference is trolls want to engage in an online argument with someone and want to drive people mad. Trolls also won’t stop unless they are forced to legally or if they simply get bored.
You are probably thinking why on earth would someone want to behave like that on social media? The answer is pretty simple. They are bored, self-entitled, jealous, attention-seeking or simply out for revenge.
People who fall victim to trolling can suffer low self-esteem, anxiety or even depression. They may question what it is they have done to deserve being treated like this. This is why trolling needs to be dealt with.
Thankfully social media sites, charities and governments are beginning to take action on social media trolls. Sites have their own rules about trolling and encourage users to report accounts that post harmful content. There has recently been a petition submitted to the UK Parliament calling for trolling to be made a criminal offence.
What to do if you are the victim of trolling?
- Do not be tempted to respond even to tell them off or ask them to stop. Just ignore them.
- Take a screenshot of the post in case you need it for evidence if things escalate. Some trolls will delete their remarks after a while (or when they realise that what they have posted is wrong).
- Block their account.
- If their posts are threatening or harmful report their account to the social media site. You may find that other people may also report them if they also offended by what they have posted.
- Do not let them upset or annoy you. Remember they are the ones who hide behind a social media account.
- Talk to someone about it. If the trolls are really affecting you, talking to someone you trust about it can help you feel better.
Do not become a social media troll:
- Do not post nasty, rude or insulting comments on other people’s posts.
- Disagreeing with what someone has posted is fine as long as you are respectful about it. Try to disagree with the point and not the person.
- If you post something or make a comment that, on reflection, could be considered abusive or harmful, delete it immediately and apologise. Better to deal with it this way than face further repercussions.
