The expression itself comes from the English "trolling" and means "fish that is caught on spinners." What is trolling on the Internet? Actually, here the meaning of the word is not far removed from the original, relating to purely fishing topics. Bloggers (and not only) are "caught" by the attacks of some characters (trolls), leaving provocative messages, deliberately causing disputes and conflicts between the participants, insults and humiliations. Initially, it was believed that trolls are unbalanced, disappointed people, under the overwhelming influence of inferiority complexes and writing only to show themselves, to draw universal attention to their person. And so it is. However, now trolling has become a weapon of mass destruction of forums, blogs, sites and is often applicable in information wars. The goal of the invisible “fighters” of the front is to divert attention from the hot ones discussed by spreading the often unconfirmed rumors, compromising materials, and outbursts of slander.
What is trolling for the troll itself? For individuals, he became a manner of communication in the vast expanses of the information network. Now on the Internet you can find the troll community, in which beginners can learn the techniques of this "craft". And organizations such as the Flood Team focus on trolling. Their main goal is to bring discord. And the stronger the reaction of the participants, the more likely the attack will continue. As a result - chaos, loss of visitors (even regular ones), ignoring of the site (or forum) by beginners.
What is trolling for forum users and bloggers? Some confuse it with spam. The differences are significant. The spammer leaves a message and leaves. His goal is advertising. Trolls also maintain communication, fomenting strife, provoking all participants.
There is thin trolling and fat. Let's analyze in more detail.
What is the last one? It consists in insulting, demonstrating "hard" pictures and photographs. Thick trolling is a challenge of violent negative emotions in the opponent. Rudeness serves as a life example in the so-called real. Trolls in life are grandmothers at the porches, social workers, saleswomen. They are indignant and appeal to general condemnation, turning to the masses. A wonderful school of trolling - "Sovdepovo" communal.
What is trolling thin? It is comparable, perhaps, with the English humor that came from the Victorian era. All actions were then strictly regulated. Everything that went beyond that was immediately condemned by the moderator - society. The higher it is, the stricter the rules. English humor circumvented these foundations. A good joke was considered one that reveals the stupidity and inconsistency of an object subjected to ridicule, invisible to this object, but well understood by the rest. Moreover, the joke should put the object in conditions of a compelled violation of the rules of ethics and behavior, thereby showing tactlessness. A good joke is to get out without violating the established rules.
Similar is obtained on the web. It should be noted that not all trolls are dangerous parasites of network resources. However, all of them can be called emotional vampires, who enjoy your annoyance and indignation.
Should I start the fight against these vampires? Perhaps yes. And the so-called “ignore” will become the main method in this struggle. Easier is ignoring. Do not talk to him. No need to give him pleasure. Turning you on, he enjoys it almost on a physical level. Is it worth the time to please the vampire? As long as you insult him, he will celebrate the victory, because he dragged the interlocutor to his level of communication.
Getting rid of trolls is tantamount to getting rid of flies flying for everything that smells bad. There are always enough sociopaths. Do not stoop to their level.
If you are the owner (administrator or moderator) of the attacked site (forum, blog), ban the troublemaker forever, because the hope that the latter will evolve into a person will not be justified.
Another way to exile the troll is to send participants a warning about the pest (or pests, because sometimes they "work" in groups) and ask them not to react to attacks (there is an expression "do not feed the troll"). This method is more effective because it not only deprives the bully of food that has appeared, but also prevents the explosion of negative emotions of participants. Ignoring the troll acts like dichlorvos flies: he will be forced to flee to another forum in search of rich pasture.
Perhaps you will find entertainment in skirmishes with trolls using their own weapons. But is it worth it to argue with the insane, descending to their level (after all, they will not rise to you)? Is it worth it to become a herd of offended sheep, who always pile up because of their blindness, who go where the shepherd drives them? Decide for yourself ...