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| When among trolls, show no fear... |
Co Cert. DV&SA-VA
Damage Reduction Director, historical political and religious studies; A.C. Psychology Division with over 30,000 hours in the field.
Trolls!
Once relegated to bars, water coolers, and underground zines, the Internet has allowed the spread of trolls to the furthest reaches of the universe. The study of trollus ignoramus internetus and their social habits involves ventures into the deepest and darkest depths of their home territory.
Trolls of the political, religious, and conspiracy varieties are particularly vicious and should only be approached with extreme caution.
Due to their diverse origins and environmental variables it is very difficult to make a profile of the average troll, though most appear to live off of a steady diet of misinformation fueled by excessive amounts of fear, outrage, and xenophobia.
The troll effect on rational discourse both globally and locally can not be ignored. While is is believed that some may still be accessible through basic education many have already been hopelessly lost.
If confronted by a troll, do not panic.
Take deep breaths and try to remain calm.
Trolls of the political, religious, and conspiracy varieties are particularly vicious and should only be approached with extreme caution.
Due to their diverse origins and environmental variables it is very difficult to make a profile of the average troll, though most appear to live off of a steady diet of misinformation fueled by excessive amounts of fear, outrage, and xenophobia.
The troll effect on rational discourse both globally and locally can not be ignored. While is is believed that some may still be accessible through basic education many have already been hopelessly lost.
If confronted by a troll, do not panic.
Take deep breaths and try to remain calm.
Deal only in facts, ignore their side trips into conspiracy theory land.
If they wander off into the wilder conspiracy theories, beware. Here there be dragons!
You cannot change their mind, nor will you. So just focus on facts.
Make it your goal to correct the misinformation and move on.
Do not take the bait, do not reply in anger. They feed on anger and abuse.
Ignore any personal attacks or name calling.
Research is your friend.
Arm yourself with facts, figures and statistics.
Do not let them change the subject.
Bring them back to the main topic any time they try to veer off.
And always, always, always try to maintain a good sense of humor. You are going to need it!
Illustration for "Pojken som aldrig var rädd" (The boy who was never afraid) by Alfred Smedberg in "Bland tomtar och troll" (Among gnomes and trolls), 1912
