The online world can be toxic. While many of us actively try to make the internet a fun, informative and safe place for everyone to enjoy, there are plenty of bad actors on the internet who actively try to spread misinformation and make life hard for people who they deem to be “different.”
The popular way to deal with trolls is to ignore them. “Don’t feed the trolls” people suggest. I suggest that we do feed the trolls and give them more than they can chew. There are a few popular trolling tactics.
One thing trolls do is they mischaracterize your argument to create an argument that they’re comfortable with that tends to have nothing to do with whatever you’re trying to convey. DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO DO THIS! When a troll ignores your argument and makes up your argument to fit their needs, take a step back and reiterate your original argument and insist that they respond to that before you move any further. If you’ve found that you’re several comments deep before you realized they’ve done this, that’s okay. Repeat back each point that was made that lead you down the rhetorical path you’re on to get back to YOUR argument instead of theirs.
Another troll tactic is called “sealioning.” Sealinoning is when your argument opponent demands evidence for your argument under the pretense of good faith but ignores every piece of evidence you provide. Again, when they do this, they tend to steer the argument where they want it to go so they’re more comfortable. When you realize they’re doing this, point it out and ask why they haven’t acknowledged the evidence you provided that they previously demanded.
I want to point out one more tactic, which is the vale of civility. The goal of the troll is to make you angry and talk you into a rhetorical corner so they can have their laughs and feel superior. Many people think that we should be taking the high road and never insult our opponent. I do not believe this is the correct course of action. This is the internet and it can be difficult enough to tell when someone you’re speaking with is being genuine. When it’s clear that your opponent is simply trolling and has no real interest in your argument, don’t hesitate to tell them to go fuck themselves and then on only respond with bad language and insults. They usually will try even harder to pretend that they’re interested in a debate, but I promise you that they are not. I would suggest giving them a chance, maybe a few back and fourths to be sure that they’re really trolling. But once it’s apparent, let them have it and don’t hold back.
I’ve found that these trolling counter measures can be quite effective in online discourse. If you deploy them correctly, you can embarrass your troll while maybe imparting some real knowledge in the thread for other people to absorb. One thing I like about arguing with trolls is that it helps me dissect my beliefs deeper than I had before and it allows me to share my thoughts more clearly. It seems to help observers to learn the lesson you’re attempting to convey. I hope these suggestions help.
