How NOT to respond to online Trolls

The term ‘trolls’ comes from the folklore and legends type that sat in wait under a bridge. Online trolls sit in wait for opportunities to pounce on unsuspecting bloggers, commentators and writers by causing intimidation or purposely inciting an online flaming war. The more angry or even hurt people become in response, the more this feeds the trolls perceived sense of power.

Why this is happening
We know that the internet allows for anonymity, so cyber-bullies and trolls are known to push the boundaries a lot further than they would if they were face-to-face with someone. We cannot read facial expressions or body response cues online and this is known to cause what we call 'dissociation' or 'disinhibition'. In other words, actions and thoughts are separated from the real world.

RIP trolls will specifically target facebook tribute pages for people who have actually passed away. This is the most heartless form of trolling because people are obviously grieving.

Why do trolls do it?
Psychologists recognise this behaviour as largely sociopathic or narcissistic in nature. Trolling gives the person a sense of power over others. Trolls enjoy the shock value and usually lack remorse.  It has been argued that trolls may have been victims of bullying or experienced some form of trauma in their lives, however my belief is that no amount of trauma excuses someone from hurting others.

It is thought that internet trolls do not have a genuine interest in pursuing logical arguments or seeking real answers. In particular, they focus on inciting people by calling them prejudiced and they often focus their energy on creating racial, sexual, ethnic or religious comments.

"Often times they're very intelligent people who are behind the trolling activities.  They're not really what people would recognise as thugs... these people are very very decisive and very articulate and they're very deliberate." Brett Murray (anti-bullying expert)

Narcissistic behaviour includes being charming and competitive in public while critical, rude, arrogant, sarcastic and aggressive in private, which explains why you may not easily recognise a troll in your own community.

What are the consequences?
Part of the Criminal Code regulates internet services and other areas that include use of child abuse material, as well as using a carriage service to harass or cause an offence to a person. People can and have faced jail terms.

How can it be stopped?

• Just like dealing with a school-yard bully; do not engage with him,  ignore vitriolic comments or simply delete them if you are the site moderator. Repetitive abusive commenters (trolls) can also be blocked from sites. 
• In extreme cases, seek legal advice or report material that has been refused classification to the ACMA who can investigate the material.

This report came out on News.com.au. Journalist Claire Connelly and I, spent time chatting with Mel and Kochie on Sunrise this morning. The segment includes some great commentary by anti-bullying expert Brett Murray.

Brett Murray's work can be found here.
Claire Connelly's follow up article: Meet the trolls part II: So who do you think invented LOLcats?