Introduction to ‘Trolling’
The term ‘trolling’ is frequently used in conversations, particularly in the context of online communities and social media platforms. The concept, however, is often misunderstood, leading to its misuse. In English slang, trolling is essentially initiating conflicts or upsetting others by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages with the intention of provoking emotional responses or disrupting normal discussion tactics.
The Origins of Trolling
The term ‘trolling’ is borrowed from fishing terminology. Much like casting a baited line into the water and waiting for a fish to bite, a troll online posts bait-like content with the aim of ‘hooking’ people into having an emotional reaction. The term has been in usage on the internet since the late 1980s or early 1990s, with its popularity escalating with the rise of social media channels.
Types of Trolling
There are several types of trolling, including:
- Concern Trolling: This involves the troll showing false concern to undermine the genuine issues raised by others.
- Flame Trolling: This is a classic troll where an individual posts controversial statements to ignite a response.
- Off-Topic Trolling: This is when the troll purposely posts irrelevant content to divert the thread off its topic.
Trolling as a Digital Societal Issue
Trolling is not just a social nuisance but has emerged as a serious digital societal issue. According to Cyberbullying Research Center, about 34% of the students surveyed have experienced cyberbullying during their lifetime. Among them, being called mean names and being subject to rumors on the internet are the most common forms of cyberbullying; essentially forms of trolling. This highlights the need for proactive measures to control trolling and make the internet a safer space.
Conclusion
To conclude, trolling is a slang term in English which refers to the act of purposefully inciting reactions through controversial, inflammatory, or off-topic posts online. Owing to its impact on both individuals and communities, it’s crucial to understand trolling and ways to counteract it to ensure enjoyable and respectful digital interactions.
