Social Trolling

In a matter of opinions, so often us social media users share memes, pictures, or post on our personal pages to express our thoughts on a particular topic. With the intentions of having our followers agree or disagree with our post and possibly share it. However, more often than not, one can occasionally get a "troll." (Troll – A troll is someone or a group of people that sings, or utters in a full, rolling voice. dictionary.com)

A "trolls" (In my own words) is someone who pops on a post with the sheer goal of opposing everything about it, which can lead to a debate of opinions, even if the post isn’t deemed to be morally negative of any sorts. Moreover, debates aren't necessarily bad. They can be a healthy method of defusing differences of opinions. However, it can be highly annoying when a debate is uninvited.

Thus, as a frequent social media user, I typically don't create posts or share articles for the thrills of stirring up debates. On the contrary, when I do open up a status for discussion; my posts are usually "dry" (dry: absent of comments), and no conversation is stimulated. As a result, when I do get an occasional troll I find it in my best interest to simply ignore them. Thus, showing them that their remarks aren't valid because ultimately there is no need to waste time nor energy on anything or on anyone that one deems negative or uninvited.

I didn't always use to think this way, in the past I use to go back and forth with an individual. Taking what they stated personal, disrespectful, and just all out mean. However, now I’ve learned how to better defuse a situation that involves conflict. In addition, I'm more conscious about how I spend and spread my energy. So it's ok to ignore a troll, by simply not responding to their request to inflict conflict and disagreement upon a post that they weren’t even invited on.

However, some may argue, that if one posts on a public social platform then it is deemed open for all to comment. I can see that as possible reasoning to comment on one’s post, unless they have marked the post as closed and blocked off the option of allowing people to write on it. Or specifically stated that “this isn’t up for debate”, rather it’s in big bold caps or not. It is always nice to respect someone wishes, and follow along with their request if it is deemed doable, and it is no cost to us.

But being that it is 2017, and the internet is rapidly expanding, allowing us access to vast amounts of information. One may ultimately feel entitled, to share their personal opinions or knowledge on a post, meme or picture that interests them, without regards of the owner who created it. Now consequently, depending on the content of the post and what it’s depicting. Such as hate, racism, sexism, promoting crime or violence of any type. Then it may be necessary to jump on one’s post and educate them about the negative message they are spreading on the internet.

Now in doing so, one should be aware of their choice of words, tone and the consequences of stirring up a debate on someone’s content. Even if your intentions to do so are good! Nevertheless, social media sites are platforms filled with various amounts of insight, ready to feed one’s quest for information. Or the desire to dispense information. Rather it be for entertainment, business or knowledge seeking purposes.

So be vocal, but also mindful of what you’re commenting on. Not everyone wants a debate.

Sincerely,

Cerra R