The Ugly World of Trolling

“Don’t make fun of anyone” is what probably our parents and elders have taught as since our childhood. Not to pass nasty comments on anybody’s appearance, deeds or words is what our culture demands. But with the advent of social media, making fun of others has become a fashion. This new way of making fun has been called “trolling”. It seems as if internet trolling happens everywhere online these days, and it is showing no sign of slowing down. Trolling intends to amuse people, but, as proved from recent incidents, trolls intend to abuse more than amuse. Making fun of someone’s appearance in the form of a meme no longer remains a subject of amusement. For instance, making fun and jokes out of a fat lady’s appearance is nothing but an act of bullying.

Social media is an excellent way to engage with the world around you and a great way for brands and companies to engage with users. While it can be a very positive thing, you’ll probably run into trolls on the internet. Trolls can be a bad thing or they can be a good thing. Only a person has to know how to deal with trolls. Many teenagers go into depression after being trolled either for their appearance or for any social media act. Online trolling has also resulted in the loss of self-esteem of the youth.

By definition, online trolls post offensive, divisive, inflammatory, or otherwise inappropriate comments on your online comment section. This does not necessarily include a simple bad review. But a troll will repeatedly post insulting or damaging information that goes beyond simply expressing an opinion or recounting an experience.

Ashim Ranjan,

Dakshin Kamrup College, Mirza.