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Trolling

A person who posts rude or offensive messages on the Internet with the intent to disrupt a discussion or upset its participants

In Internet terminology, a troll is a person who posts rude or offensive messages on the Internet with the intent to disrupt a discussion or upset its participants. The term “troll” can also refer to the message, while "trolling" refers to the activity. Trolling often occurs on mailing lists, blogs, chat rooms, Web forums, and online communities.

Trolls post inflammatory, sarcastic, disruptive or humorous content as a way to disrupt a forum and draw attention to themselves. The greater the reaction from the community, the more likely the user is to troll again.

Protective Measures

Practices

  • Ignore trolls: Do not try to engage trolls in rational debate, since this only gives them the attention that they crave. If a troll is able to achieve his goal of disturbing a discussion, he is more likely to continue trolling in that community.

References

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