Trolls, comments and abuse

For many the internet is a hive of information, communication and enjoyment. But what about that small group of users who seem to find the best way to get their enjoyment is always at expense of others.

You often read comments on your work, articles. Posts, videos and generally anything with an interactive comment or social section. Aimed at hurting the original poster, their beliefs or just those who believe in something. I am of course talking about the web “troll” otherwise known as a cyber bully.

Types of websites you will meet them:

1. Forums, community boards

2. Facebook

3. YouTube

4. Tribute pages

5. Blogs

6. New articles

7. Political and religious networks

8. Adult entertainment

9. Review boards

10. Teenage purpose made websites

The term troll is not actually a random insult as it is thought. It actually refers to fishing. In fishing either for sport or gain to troll is to pull the line behind a moving boat. Coaxing fish to take the bait. In most cases that is exactly what a troll does verbally. Saying something designed to get the attention of the original writer, or person within the group to gain a response.

Like many bullies in the real world, those on virtual networks are the same weak people they are in life. Often turning to trolling pages to make up for the attention they do not get in the real world. Often posting up pointless, rude or insulting statements for nothing more than getting a reply. The ultimate goal is to make the user look stupid, attempting to make them want to leave, quit or slump down to their level. But in most cases the troll alone will be the only one laughing or being laughed at.

A simple rule to remember:

“Never argue with an idiot, they will just bring you down to their level. Then beat you with experience.”

The term troll has risen to viral popularity over recent years with the aid of popular and notorious communities and networks alike.

Although these days the term troll is a popular name freely given even for those who's views differ from the subject. Spammers are often marked as trolls also. Trolling has become an internet craze, taking over everything from forums to games. There is no limit to how a troll can act and many people are lead to believe they are just kids. But the truth is many of the trolls are adults.

They hold good jobs, are maybe religious and for some reason turn to the internet just to vent frustration, bully others for their own self worth or simply as a cry for attention whatever form it comes to them in. But then there are those users who simply don't realise they are a troll. I have even seen users on Hubpages, mostly replying to the “hot two” either on the forums or individual articles.

The “hot two”

The hot two is a term given to the biggest argument topics and sensitive subjects you will find and even posting one is likely to attract a troll or two. Even normal users will find themselves slipping into the boots of a troll, sometimes without realising it. A basic troll mentality is to be right about everything, no one else's opinion matters and their word is law. This goes hand in hand with both of the hot two topics, Religion and Politics.

Troll's and users.

Just because someone has said something that you do not agree with does not mean they are actually a troll. It is important to see between those commenting with a different opinion and those who are just there to cause an issue.

Common troll comments:

The bully:

This is the most common type of troll you will find on most social networking websites and community groups. Most of the time the person behind the alias is a social outcast, those hidden from society and often the victims of bullying in real life. Due to this lack of self confidence they feel the need to go to a place where they feel as though they have the upper hand and dish out what they get in reality in a virtual form. Many are young adults or younger. Often commenting on pictures, videos and status updates to cause upset.

The bored:

This is also a very common type of troll. Those who will go around to different areas of the internet just commenting randomly to try and get a reply. Or to get someone upset with their story like view on things. Many have no real interest in any of the websites they do this on. Registering only to cause grief.

The know it all:

It is sometimes hard to tell between users who are generally quite knowledgeable and those who are just trying to make it seem like they do know everything, even if the answer is obviously wrong. These trolls will go on intellectual websites, such as Hubpages and post in the comments either with a dump account or as anon and do their best to cause frustration and misunderstanding.

The religious and the brain washed: (Also covers political topics)

Online just like in real life this is a sensitive subject for many and there is nothing wrong with a calm and healthy conversation when it comes to religion but given the chance and an open comment section trolls of all ages will jump at the chance to cause grief. Often appearing narrow minded and believing their view is law. Even if the person is an active user on a board and has no intention of trolling, this is called Brain washed trolling.

The hater!

A common sight online these days, the hater those who have no interest in anything and will post a comment on just about anything. From videos to poems they will do their best to cause upset and trouble for the people in the conversation and the topics original poster. Their aim is simple, they just want an argument.

The E-Thug

Often in a class of its own, the E'thug is also a type of troll. Normally people who are all mouth and nothing else in real life turn to the internet to act like a hard case. You will find this mostly over voice communications, or online video games and includes but is not limited to pretending to be something special in the armed forces, threats of real world violence and acting emotionless and rude on public death and tragedy tribute sites. The video at the bottom of the screen shows a troll just like this in real life, as a BBC news team caught up with him.

Finally, the Armchair General

These are users who will keep to a select area, political topics mostly of a military nature, war videos, reports and reviews giving their uneducated and immoral ways of doing things and what could have been done better while doing their very best to insult any sides within the conflict.

How to beat a troll:

Well do you want the honest answer, there is no real way to beat them. To beat them you would have to allow yourself to be dragged down to their level. Then you can only expect them to beat you with experience. In all types of trolls they require one thing from you and that is attention. Good or bad, they seek it. Many trolls have few friends or loved ones and often do it simply for some human contact. Although others simply do it for fun. By ignoring their pointless remarks you give them nothing to “feed” on. Thus they will eventually get bored and move on and hopefully find something better to do with their, lets face it pathetic lives.