How to handle TROLLS on GAG

[coachTanthony]

Internet trolls are individuals who post inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in online communities with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or disrupting normal on-topic discussion. They may do this for a variety of reasons, such as to get attention, to provoke a reaction, to disrupt conversations, or simply to cause trouble. Trolls can be found on social media platforms, forums, and in comments sections of of many websites including GAG.

There is no one reason that can explain why internet trolls exist, as people have different motivations for engaging in this type of behavior. Some may do it for attention or to feel a sense of power or control. Others may do it out of boredom or a desire to cause chaos. Still, others may do it as a form of cyberbullying or to harass or intimidate others.

It's important to remember that while trolling can be frustrating and unpleasant, it is not a new phenomenon and is not specific to the internet. People have been behaving badly and seeking to provoke reactions from others for centuries. The anonymity and distance of the internet can make it easier for people to engage in trolling behavior, but it is important to remember that this behavior is not acceptable and should not be tolerated.

If you feel like you are being harassed, threatened or bullied on GAG you should use the BLOCK button and report the user to GAG immediately. Lets keep GAG a safe and friendly place for everyone.

#KeepGagPositive

[msmissydc]

I have to agree and this is a Great my take.
Also I need a constant reminder of this. I allways think maybe if I ignore them they actually convince someone. Also after some arguments I realised too late that something wasn't an exeremist opinion but a troll. Or someone too stupid to understand their own opinion, with some people that is also an option.

[coachTanthony]

I appreciate that. Thanks.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Nice take! I wonder how many down votes I’ll get for that🤣

[coachTanthony]

Just a few LOL

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

A few eh 😀😂

[coachTanthony]

Anything less than 10 is a win Ha

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

I don't know it’s at 5 already🤣🤣

[coachTanthony]

I think the loser only has 5 fake accounts. If you look at my opinions it's always 5 downvotes every time. They are slacking for sure.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

I’d laugh but seriously maybe that person needs therapy. To be that obsessed to go to those lengths is crazy to me

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Thanks for mh, well earned after all the downvotes that come with answering your questions😁🤣🤣

[coachTanthony]

Ha you deserve it

[BobbieBoy666]

The best way to deal with trolls is to ignore them and not engage; this deprives them of the attention they seek and is usually the most effective way to discourage their behavior; additionally, you can block them on the platform and report their abusive comments if necessary.
Key points to remember when handling trolls:
Don't feed the troll:
Responding to their comments, even with anger, gives them the reaction they want and encourages them to continue.
Block and report:
Most platforms allow you to block a user to prevent further interaction and report their comments if they violate community guidelines.
Limit your exposure:
Consider adjusting your privacy settings to control who can comment on your posts.
Use humor carefully:
In some situations, a well-placed witty response can diffuse a troll, but be mindful not to escalate the situation.
Take care of yourself:
If trolling is impacting your mental health, consider limiting your time on social media and seeking support from others.
When might you consider a different approach?
Addressing the behavior publicly:
If a troll is spreading misinformation or targeting others, you might choose to address their behavior in a factual and calm manner, highlighting the issue to the wider audience.
Legal action:
In extreme cases of persistent harassment or defamation, legal action may be necessary.

[Chazmatazz269]

Let’s be fair now. Trolls serve a purpose. There ARE troll posts, and watching trolls troll trolls is hilarious! Speaking of hilarity…. not all “off-topic” and “attention seeking” points are negative per se. Some trolls are just funny. The only time i don’t burn troll comments here is if it’s a good joke. Reddit is my favorite place to find trolls. Somehow, Reddit attracts brilliantly witty individuals more than most other platforms in my experience. I wouldn’t mind trolls at all if they were all so funny.

[coachTanthony]

I disagree. Trolls serve no purpose. There are all kinds of characters on GAG that are funny and we see a lot of crazy shit. When you get people who threaten you like they have me then that gets into an issue. Not to mention the ones who try and dox you which is also illegal.

[Chazmatazz269]

I didn’t justify antagonistic or threatening trolling, mostly just the funny ones. I believe in fighting fire with fire. So trolls should be allowed to troll troll posts, in my opinion.

[coachTanthony]

I think our definition of a troll is different. I agree. People who just disagree and want to troll like that is harmless in my opinion. People have the tools to tune it out if they want.

[Chazmatazz269]

Indeed. In my opinion, trolls are basically internet hecklers. Some are just dicks, but others are actually funny and contribute to the overall quality of the entertainment experience. A good content creator will definitely have the tools to deal with both. Let’s face it, some content creators are trolls, even if only sometimes. I’ve got a few troll posts here. I would submit that you do too. Why would we make ignorant and inflammatory posts if we didn’t want to draw the attention of trolls? Ell oh ell! We’re not just accepting of them, we sometimes invite them aboard!

[coachTanthony]

I get it. Grant Cardone said it best. If you don't have haters you're doing something wrong. I will never change a post title in hopes that it doesn't attract the trolls. When you start doing that you lose and they win. They don't get to decide speech and communication.

[SpiderManFan2002]

As somebody who spent way too much time arguing with GAG trolls, I agree with you. My 15-year-old self thought that if she blocked or ignored she was "letting them win" but they were literally just wasting my time and the discussions inevitably went nowhere because they're trolls. If trolls bother me nowadays, I just won't engage and if they continue to harass me the block button exists for a reason.

Nice MyTake.

[coachTanthony]

Much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Agreed. But reporting and blocking can be a form of bullying as well. I know of G@Gers that troll people on this site to elicit an emotional response just to report them for it. This is how petty this site has become. a lot of the people who complain about trolls are ironically the biggest trolls themselves.

[coachTanthony]

Reporting and blocking will never be a form of bullying. Disagree totally. You ignore, report then block. If you engage then that is on you.

[Opinion Owner]

You can disagree if you like but it still doesn't change the reality.

[coachTanthony]

Thanks for the comments

[Opinion Owner]

No problem. Coach 🙂

[PeachyPie93]

If you waste enough time you can always find their weakness, since I found the last ones in 1 day lol. I like to push them to the point of calling them out so they leave. I know that doesn't get rid of them because they always usually have backup accounts but its fun to push them off of some of them. My reason for this is reporting and blocking doesn't seem to actually get rid of them, they just switch things up. DreamLife7 who is also Uptowngirl88 deactivated her 2 accounts right after our dispute, but she came forward again to harasses me on other peoples questions (yet again) in an attempt to get others to dislike me in which she highlights herself again as Mwolf which is not a new account LOL. People are pathetic and I like to bring it to light so they have no where they belong or can pretend to be who they are not. I don't think she wants to lose this account so when I called her Dream, she knew to step down lol.

[DarkWinterNights]

This is partially true. Blocking people is one thing. Reporting people with the intention of getting them banned is what ruined social media. With how radical and polarized our society is. Especially on American sites these days, I’m very frequently labelled a troll simply for having an unpopular opinion.

[D_Bone_Steak]

The first rule should be don't feed the trolls. Also, learn to recognize troll bait. Just sidestep it.

[coachTanthony]

Very true

[kespethdude]

Problem is, most of the trolls abuse the anonymous feature to make it harder to block them.

[coachTanthony]

True they do take advantage of that feature. Hopefully GAG will look into some of this stuff.

[kespethdude]

Those fucking pussies should be DOXXED, actually.

[cheetocandle]

they are little bitches aren't they Coach? I find it hilarious you get downvoted as much as you do. you must be hitting a nerve. keep it up.

[coachTanthony]

You have no idea. lol

[YourFutureEx]

Most likely, that's the same person with duplicate accounts.

[coachTanthony]

@YourFutureEx It is I know who she is. GAG will catch up to her.

[YourFutureEx]

You're making me jealous by telling me that it's a woman. I have only been targeted by guys all my life.

[coachTanthony]

@YourFutureEx Ha Ha Ha she's a psychopath but kinda cute lol

[YourFutureEx]

I bet she will definitely read this compliment xD

[coachTanthony]

@YourFutureEx She reads them all. She does nothing but worship me.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

I Use Troll Spray.

[Anonymous]

All you can do is block and report because nothing else will ever happen to them on here.

[coachTanthony]

There are many who don't do either and it's about time they should.

[Opinion Owner]

Before g@g I was on a site that would permanently ban repeat offenders. On here, they freeze accounts and then let them back on soon after. It's weak.

[coachTanthony]

Instagram is much better in blocking people and any other profile they make. They do need to step up in that area.

[Opinion Owner]

Exactly.

[Opinion Owner]

I just had a comment removed for being too offensive. The sick thing is I was calling out a pervert that was posting filth to minors. I guess that is also allowed on here.

[findacure4wokeness]

Trolls themselves often call me a troll and report me to SJW GAG moderators. As for People who start conversions about controversial topics the motivation can be as simple as feeling a need to shed light on something they feel is important that the left wing want everyone to pretend doesn't exist.

[Kelley1]

The definition of troll: A person who asks if a GAG policy should be changed.

[Anonymous]

I used to troll on reddit a long time ago. I did it because I'm a bit of a troublemaker. I stopped when my parents found out I was even on reddit and they blocked it from all my devices lol

[Revvl6pro]

I'm impressed you know what a troll is. Please teach that to the mods.

[Warrior670]

Hey trolls are people too.. Let them do their job lol 😂

[coachTanthony]

They aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

[PainusNdeeAnus]

Trolling is as close as we will get to having a purge it may shock you the normal regular people who troll just for kicks why do you think I installed tinder?

[GOOSEBOY78]

the internet is full of smartasses. thats all trolls are.

[Legolas780]

Interesting.. And what prompted you to write this article?

[coachTanthony]

No prompts.

[Legolas780]

And your cover photo says uncancellable. Are you trying to tell us something? Spill the tea bro

[coachTanthony]

Thanks for the comments.

[Aerissa_Jade]

I would suggest acid or fire arrows, otherwise they keep regenerating.

Sorry DnD geek here.