How to deal with Internet Trolls.

I’ve been blogging for over a year, I’ve experimented with YouTube and I did a social media internship but the one thing that I’ve dealt with all online platforms is Internet Trolls. Yes, I’ve been internet trolled. For those who don’t know what an internet troll is, here is the definition:

“Someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as a forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.” (via Wikipedia)

I’ve been told my videos were terrible, I’m a heartless person and I suck at writing. I never thought I would ever EVER have to deal with this but never say never… If you’re starting a blog, try to get into social media (whatever the case) and you’re dealing with an internet troll, here are some things that I do to deal with them.

Ignore them

Sometimes silence is golden. There are moments in your life that you have to decide, is it worth my time and energy to comment back? 85% of the time, I don’t comment back.

Be Professional

So I mentioned that I ignore Internet Trolls 85% of the time.. the other 10% I comment back. If you’re going to comment back, make sure you do it in a professional manner. Social media is open to everyone, even if you have your profile blocked. If you’re looking for a job, chances are your future employers Googled you. I know it’s extremely tempting to write F*** Y** but don’t do that. Don’t stoop to that level or risk the chance of losing a job opportunity. Employers will probably appreciate how you handle the situation in a poise, classy way.

When you’re writing something while being upset, your message can be mixed. I like to write down what I would say then I send it to a friend. I’ll explain what’s going on and ask them for their honest opinion if the way I would come across is professional. Don’t ask your friends, “will you write it for me” because you want to make sure it’s words you can stand by.

Delete the comment

If you’re wondering where that 5% is, it’s here. If you don’t want to ignore it or comment back, delete it. The phrase “outta sight, out of mind” is in full effect. You don’t need that comment and that negativity in your life. And don’t feel bad deleting their comment, if you don’t feel comfortable with it you can delete it. It’s your social media platform and you control what can be on it #DeleteTheHater

Block and Report the Hater

If you’re constantly getting harassed online, you need to block the account and report the user ASAP. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube etc all have policies that want to make sure their users are safe. Harassment is not taken lightly especially online. If you need help finding information how to block/ report someone, click the HELP button and it will show you step by step on how to report someone.

For those who are Internet Trolling, do you realize just because you’re behind a platform doesn’t mean we can’t see you? Bloggers, Vloggers, Viners, social media users can see it.. In fact we see everything that you write. There’s a little thing called ‘notifications’ that alerts us when people comment or like your stuff.

I have a question for all of the internet trolls, why do you feel like you have the authority to write mean things? If you’re trying to make a point, my advice to you is don’t be mean about it. When you do that, the message you’re trying to say is hidden behind your hateful words. Do you, internet troll, realize that at the end of the day everyone is a person.. with feelings? Does it make you, internet troll, feel better to hurt people? Are you, internet troll, that insecure that you need to have everyone on your level of sadness? Internet troll, do you realize you are also considered a cyber bully? According to CyberBullingHotline, 1 out of 10 kids will commit suicide; 4500 kids commit suicide each year.

Think before you type.