Trolls? Isn’t this word familiar? Yes, it is the new age ‘IT’ thing on the internet. This atrocious disease has lately, created quite a stir on the internet and the netizens seem to keep no calm!
Before unraveling some dope ways to nullify the effects of the internet trolling, let’s get to the root of the problem. Guess, what the ultimate nightmare of the social media influencers is!
What is a troll?
A troll is a person or an online post or psychology which tends to depreciate the content posted by an individual, in a remorseful manner, often aiming to distract the audience from a topic and controversially, mocking the brand on an online community. These trolls are offensive at times and notable enough to fuel a war of words between the parties involved. (Ouch! That’s awful!)
What causes trolling?
Over the internet, people think they are in some outlandish world where they can do anything they wish to, without being accountable. They often misuse this notion for Freedom to Speech and Express!
However, this negligence means something important to some people.
Also, the ‘J’ factor (jealousy) is another cause. Demolishing a brand’s reputation for own benefits is what facilitates trolling among social businesses.
Other reasons include insecurity, desensitization, peer groups, obscurity, hidden motives, social status and a lot more.
Now that, you are reading this blog, I assume that you are aware of the effects of the internet trolling. Well, effects can vary from person to person. But, on a larger scale, these trolls are no good. They are often ruthless and seem to render the sentiments of those attached to it.
So, the biggest question of the hour is- How do we combat these social media monsters?
Here is your go-to-guide to deal with trolls and get them straight on their faces.
1. Proofread Your Content Twice Before Getting It Online
Most of the trollers are too idle and focused at pinpointing the negligent details of your post. They try to use it as a weapon against you.
How lame! Yeah, you got it right. These creatures are the anti-social beings under the skin of Homo sapiens.
Check for all the typos, grammatical error, contextual references and most importantly, plagiarism (It makes your trollers eternal).
2. Get In-touch With Your Commenting Community And Establish Some Guidelines
In order to keep your worst nightmares coming true, establish a healthy conversation with your supporters. Read their comments (Of course, not all!) and reply to them with some kind words. This makes them accountable to you. Often, people post disturbing comments to grab your attention.
Once, you are familiar with the kind of followers, establish certain community guidelines. They will love it when you make them a part of your activities and will care for you.
3. Get A Moderator
Even after your generous attempts, you are still the victim of harsh trolling? Well, it’s time to involve some third-party i.e. a moderator who can filter through the comments on your post and seemingly, discard the offensive ones off your post.
No wonder, you still are going to face some negative words, however, moderating will reduce this trail.
4. High Time? Delete, Block And Report
When all the above tips don’t come to your rescue, the ultimate way to fight it out is cutting the trollers off your post. This aid should be used as the final showdown against these anonymous back biters. Delete all the hurting comments and restore the aura of positivity on your workspace.
For the ruthless ones, don’t think for a second, just block them. For ones who are highly disrespectful and are in some way temper your image or sexuality, report them to the online platform and in worst case cyber cell comes into play.
You are now good to go.
5. Introspect
You can remove all the negative comments! Your post should be a mix of positive and negative comments. When a new customer visits your brand’s social profile, he goes for reviews. All good can make wary of your product. Hence, the negative comments pointing towards some improvements should be given a place. On the contrary, a comment from a user suggesting, how you have dealt with the issue and fixed it, marks your brand as progressive.
6. Ignore All For Once
Don’t let these trolls overpower your peace of mind. Wise people say it right, “After all, haters are going to hate it anyway!” Ignore the negative replies and dare not getting in a feud with these cyber psychopaths. They are eager to pull you down you down!
7. Reply, But With A Tinge Of Humor
Sometimes, it becomes necessary to revert back. Do it! But, make sure you sound concerned to check upon rather than seeming offended. Reply them back with some witty words with a tinge of humor (and some intended sarcasm).
This a bold and the best move. Your supporters going to go gaga over the response and lash back at the offender.
8. Stand For Your Cause
In the end, it’s your call.
It’s your cause, so, stick to it and make suitable decisions to turn the ball in your court. Don’t get moved by these petty little beings behind their computer screens to affect you emotionally. Be wise and stand tall for yourself and don’t bad mouth about your contemporaries or offenders.
Once born, trolling is eternal and will sustain as long as the internet itself. So apparently, there is no way out you can stop this psychology. But, what you can do is listen to your heart and care about all the good things in life.
Hope, I have covered all the tips to combat trolling. You have some more? Let us know in the comment section below.