What is Trolling?

[Brietta]

I wonder if any posters can recognise themselves in this short paragraph.  Sometimes we  all are guilty of straying off topic, but there are one or two who seem unwilling to post on topic whatever the thread, if that is not the case why does every thread whatever the title almost inevitably end up as an episode of McCann bashing?

**snip

Spend even a little time reading comments posted online and you are likely to come across the work of a Troll.

Typically hiding behind an anonymous online account, Trolls make provocative or offensive comments to incite anger and upset.

Put-downs, name-calling, insults and emotional rants are just some of the ways Trolls operate.

They divert discussions down non-productive or off-topic paths, they bully and they harass people who dare to express an opinion, they take pleasure in posting inaccurate "facts".

http://www.womensagenda.com.au/career-agenda/lessons-learned/trolls-the-damage-they-do-and-what-you-can-do-about-it#.VQ3uG_msU7s

[faithlilly]

I wonder if any posters can recognise themselves in this short paragraph.  Sometimes we  all are guilty of straying off topic, but there are one or two who seem unwilling to post on topic whatever the thread, if that is not the case why does every thread whatever the title almost inevitably end up as am episode of McCann bashing?

**snip

Spend even a little time reading comments posted online and you are likely to come across the work of a Troll.

Typically hiding behind an anonymous online account, Trolls make provocative or offensive comments to incite anger and upset.

Put-downs, name-calling, insults and emotional rants are just some of the ways Trolls operate.

They divert discussions down non-productive or off-topic paths, they bully and they harass people who dare to express an opinion, they take pleasure in posting inaccurate "facts".

http://www.womensagenda.com.au/career-agenda/lessons-learned/trolls-the-damage-they-do-and-what-you-can-do-about-it#.VQ3uG_msU7s

If the above is accurate then each and every one of us on this forum, and indeed on every forum, could be legitimately called 'troll''.

[Alice Purjorick]

I wonder if any posters can recognise themselves in this short paragraph.  Sometimes we  all are guilty of straying off topic, but there are one or two who seem unwilling to post on topic whatever the thread, if that is not the case why does every thread whatever the title almost inevitably end up as am episode of McCann bashing?

**snip

Spend even a little time reading comments posted online and you are likely to come across the work of a Troll.

Typically hiding behind an anonymous online account, Trolls make provocative or offensive comments to incite anger and upset.

Put-downs, name-calling, insults and emotional rants are just some of the ways Trolls operate.

They divert discussions down non-productive or off-topic paths, they bully and they harass people who dare to express an opinion, they take pleasure in posting inaccurate "facts".

http://www.womensagenda.com.au/career-agenda/lessons-learned/trolls-the-damage-they-do-and-what-you-can-do-about-it#.VQ3uG_msU7s

Yep pretty much an average day at this office on both sides of the fence.

[Lyall]

If you make an online comment which is racist or homophobic and likely to incite hatred against a racial group or the LBGT community you will likely be charged with a crime.  Make a comment likely to incite hatred against an individual who is neither gay nor from an ethnic minority and it seems the law doesn't give a hoot.  Strange isn't? it?

Minorities will tell you people very rarely face consequences for being racist on social media (maybe in 1 in a million of instances).

There have certainly been more prosecutions that had nothing to do with homophobia or racism.

[Wonderfulspam]

If the above is accurate then each and every one of us on this forum, and indeed on every forum, could be legitimately called 'troll''.

'Trolling' is one thing, but making serious threats to harm or kill is something altogether quite different, as I'm sure all of us on here can agree..... and if you don't then I'm going to hurt you.

[carlymichelle]

i think    some people are  way too thin skinned the simple thing is if you  dont like what you  read dont read it   having a  diffrent opinion isnt    being a  troll

[Alfred R Jones]

Minorities will tell you people very rarely face consequences for being racist on social media (maybe in 1 in a million of instances).

There have certainly been more prosecutions that had nothing to do with homophobia or racism.

have you the data on prosecutions for online abuse?

[Brietta]

'Trolling' is one thing, but making serious threats to harm or kill is something altogether quite different, as I'm sure all of us on here can agree..... and if you don't then I'm going to hurt you.

WS I was reluctant to cite you as a prime example ... thank you for saving me the embarrassment of 'outing' another forum member.

[Mr Gray]

i think    some people are  way too thin skinned the simple thing is if you  dont like what you  read dont read it   having a  diffrent opinion isnt    being a  troll

You're absolutely right Carly...al these rules about posting...if I want to call Stephen a stupid tw*t..what's wrong with that...

[Lyall]

have you the data on prosecutions for online abuse?

Not at my fingertips, but I've read articles including figures (I'll have a look for them).

[Mr Gray]

Not at my fingertips, but I've read articles including figures (I'll have a look for them).

I think posters are free to post abuse online and needn't worry about the threat of criminal charges...look at Brenda

[Alfred R Jones]

Not at my fingertips, but I've read articles including figures (I'll have a look for them).

I'm sure it must be easier to get the police to take action over racist or homophobic bullying than bullying of individuals that does not have a racist or homophobic slant, but I await your data with interest.

[carlymichelle]

I think posters are free to post abuse online and needn't worry about the threat of criminal charges...look at Brenda

im sure that angers you lots but whats to do?

[Lyall]

I think posters are free to post abuse online and needn't worry about the threat of criminal charges...look at Brenda

You're doing a bit of trolling yourself there mate, but you're not going to wind me up

Did anyone check if Grayling got his 2 yr maximum sentence into the Criminal Justice and Courts Act?

[Brietta]

From what I have read on some internet sites the reported ill effects on those being the target of on-line bullying is exactly the effect they hope and strive to achieve.

If they desire to affect the mental health and well being of those who are the target in this way, it begs question as to the state their own mental health and well being in allowing their participation in such aberrant behaviour.

A single troll is bad and bad enough if you are its plaything of choice ... organised gangs are in my opinion something entirely different and portray distinct deviant behaviour.


**snip
Depression and anxiety are common mental health challenges among people who have been cyber bullied. Loss of self-esteem and confidence are also commonly reported.

**snip
 People need to understand not to jump on the on-line bully bandwagon by joining in a conversation to have fun at someone else's expense.
Irrespective of why someone chooses to be a Troll, the destructive consequences of their behaviour make it inexcusable.
http://www.womensagenda.com.au/career-agenda/lessons-learned/trolls-the-damage-they-do-and-what-you-can-do-about-it#.VQ3uG_msU7s