Bullying unfortunately is nothing new. It has been around since day dot. Even animals are not immune to being bullied by their peers – you only have to watch a group of them together, to see the weaker one of the cluster being picked on.
Having said this let’s take a look at the new bullying playground for we mere mortals - the Internet. The interesting thing about this forum is the total lack of self-responsibility that seems to be rife. For some reason people think that it’s okay to shoot off nasty comments, or start rumors about someone based on misinformation or even down right lies and not even give a second thought, let alone take responsibility for the emotional damage they have inflicted.
In fact for “Trolls” it’s what they are seeking – to inflict as much emotional pain as humanly possible with words.
Sad, but a reality.
The “Trolls”
These are people who hide behind anonymous profile names on the Internet, because they don’t have the courage to display their real one. They make nasty comments designed to either pick a fight or inflict verbally as much venom as they can - on Status Updates, Forum Posts, Article and Blog Posts.
There have been cases where someone in grief has posted about the devastating loss of a child through suicide. Only to have “Trolls” post that in their opinion the person in grief was probably responsible for the child’s death, due to bad parenting. I mean, seriously, how cruel is that? This is not an isolated case by any means.
How Do You Deal With “Trolls”?
Not all sites are moderated for comments as this is expensive, and time consuming. Although, more and more are doing so, to stop, this type of behavior (as well as keep the spammers and scammers at bay). However, this is not the case on Social Networking platforms as it is an open forum. If you have friended them just block and delete them.
If you respond you are buying into their little control game and “Trolls” see this as winning – even if they are not. “Trolls” will still get a kick out of humiliating you – they have no social conscience. It’s hard to understand I know, but the last thing you want to do is get into a “flame war” (backwards and forwards war of words) with these type of people. It’s really not worth it. Besides where there is one “Troll” there are usually others. They hangout together.
Instead picture a Troll Doll – you know, the ones with the swollen bellies, squashed-in faces and the pink, purple or blue hair that sticks up in the air. The things you use to put on the end of your pencil or pen (quite apt really) and then have a good giggle to yourself.
In short "Don't Feed The Trolls!"
Remember, anything you type on the internet is there forever! You leave what we call a digital footprint. Just pity them in your own mind, don’t buy into it and move on. You are the better person in this situation if you do.
Smiles to you as always,
Yvonne Rice
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