Is the term "troll" subjective?

[Anonymous]

Personally, I never got this word. It seems a bit stupid/inane. A lot of people on the site seem to call, anyone who disagrees with them, or posts about topics they don't like "a troll". Sometimes, those who complain and use this term, are some of the most toxic/douchey people and say abhorrent things themselves

[HollyK21]

I think it’s only subjective when misused. By definition a troll is someone who’s intentionally instigating conflict, hostility, or arguments, so in a lot of cases that word is valid. But to say someone’s a troll because you disagree with their opinion, dislike that they’re anonymous and so forth, then it’s subjective because they’re basing their usage of the word off personal feelings.

[Ms_Facesitter]

Of course it is! If I don't give a satisfying answer to the asker, but it wasn't meant to annoy or hurt the asker, it might still be seen as trolling.

[Anonymous]

Urban dictionary: March 22, 2010

troll

one of the most overused words on the Internet which has matched lol for meaninglessness.

supposedly means someone who is disruptive or mean on a message board, but now extends to anyone who is ever disagreeable or doesn't join in on the circle jerk.

some people also take it to mean the act of reading and posting on message boards.

[Asker]

Um exactly... 💯

[Opinion Owner]

There are people who've a hobby to sit on the internet and make people angry.

Then some have a hobby to sit on the internet and harmlessly make people laugh.

Both are labeled trolling...

[Opinion Owner]

Honestly though i was more often called a "clown" a "riot" and these more than a troll on all my accounts here.

[WhitneySnow]

A real troll is someone who says stupid stuff or really unpleasant stuff looking for a reaction. Most trolling especially the unpleasant kind is really toxic.

[Asker]

Yes, but sometimes people might be just expressing their opinion.. Doesn't mean they're doing this to get a reaction out of someone. in my opinion the term is highly subjective

[WhitneySnow]

Yeah but some people are def trolls. You can just tell.

[Asker]

Unless they're name-calling or actively harassing/insulting someone

[Asker]

I beg to differ but okay

[WhitneySnow]

Those are both key signs of a troll

[ericclayton]

I've seen this a lot.

[Asker]

Seen what?

[ericclayton]

"Troll" means "I disagree with your opinion". It's a lazy way to dismiss legitimate dissention.

[Asker]

So true