• articles >
• CJKent (Banned)

CJKent (Banned)

“The more a person needs to be right, the less certain he is...”

As rquested by 4got2**** in my Denial comment:
“Brilliant! Do you also have a grand unified theory of internet trolling? ;)”

Generally speaking Internet trolling is when a “Troll” makes “random unsolicited and/or controversial comments in a internet forum with the intent to provoke an emotional reaction from readers and make them engage into a fight or argument.”

However often times the term is incorrectly used to refer to anyone with controversial, or differing, opinions.

Definitions of internet troll:

Zero; “A form of rhetoric that predates the internet entirely. Represent a “heroic” tradition of skepticism that emphasizes the importance of questioning the relative nature of personal experiences in relation to perception and challenging cultural norms associated with hegemony.”

One: “From the fishing technique of dragging fishhooks behind a boat. This type of “troll” try to hook and string others along, by pretending to take a ridiculous attitude or position or say something outrageous but funny. They typically mean no harm, other than what the reader inflicts upon themselves, by not seeing the obvious.”

Two: “From mythical, cave-dwelling beings depicted in Scandinavian folklore as either a giant or a dwarf, believed to be dangerous to human beings. These type of “trolls” are like bullies, they use harassment, threats, insults, or simply annoying behavior. Some of them however don’t even realize how aggravating or offensive they’re being.”

Forums are made for discussing topics of common interest with other people, but every once in a while, a “troll” will come in and start comments with outrageous comments, negative words and/or insults all over the place. If they are not banned, or ignored, other members will respond and before too long, the comments gets thrown completely off topic and becomes nothing but one big pointless argument or “fight”.

If what a “troll” writes makes you angry or causes you to want to correct him or refute the comment, DO NOT DO IT; you should just ignore them. And “forgive them because, sometimes, they do not know what they are doing”. They are not worth your time or emotional distress. Do not take anything personally and remind yourself that their comments, outrageous as they might be do not change who you are.

Give them the benefit of the doubt and imagine that a person who seems like a “troll” might actually be suffering in some way (loneliness, depression, bipolar) and might be trying to distract themselves and make themselves feel better by taking it out on/reaching out to the world around/the internet.

If you can, try to have compassion or a good laugh and think about how sad/funny it is that some people actually feel/have the need to insult complete strangers on the internet.

If you are feeling something let it be compassion and consider responding to them with kindness by complimenting something about their comment that you find positive.

This is probably the last thing they'll expect from you, and your unexpected kindness could inspire them in a way that changes their behavior for the better.

When someone frustrates or offends you online, don’t allow them to ruin your day and do not engage them because that could encourage them to continue.

Remember:

“Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity.
We can choose to use this force constructively
with words of encouragement,
or destructively using words of despair.
Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.”
~ Yehuda Berg

Voltaire said it first:

“With great power comes great responsibility”

Use your words and time wisely and with responsibility don’t worry or get mad be happy.

Is best to invest your time and energy on finding a DS that hopefully will be your ATF.