Lately, I've been thinking about the effect trolls have on us, debating what their true intentions are and why they do it. Are they bored? Are they jealous? Are they just bad people? Are they mad? Who knows, they could possibly be feeling all those emotions, yet that still doesn't make it right. So, what are their true intentions? After thoroughly thinking about this questions I came to the conclusion that not only are they are out to ruin the internet, but they're dragging our self-esteem with them as well!
These manipulating trolls and their degrading actions ruin the internet by no longer making it an enjoyable experience or environment to be around. I mean, how enjoyable can it be, if after every picture or thought we post we are bombarded with negative comments. Keep in mind that when one starts, it's as if the entire troll family decides to join in and they all begin to savor the moment by agreeing with each other instead of standing up for one another. Instead of making the internet a fun experience, they are just corrupting the internet and adding onto its million issues with cyber bullying.
Not only are they destroying the internet but they are ruining our self-esteem. For example, a model can post a picture and under her comments people will say "She's too skinny," or "She's too fat" or many more hateful comments when in reality why should she be criticized because a person has their own preference? Why is that her fault? Many people will believe that it's not affecting her because she is living her life, but we don't know that. After some research, I found that many teen models who had encounters with trolls were suffering emotionally and physically- some more than others. Some girls had disorders either before or after the troll decided to make the hateful comment. Trolls ultimately have the power to deteriorate a person's self-esteem but my question is why do you guys think we give them that power? Are there ways to prevent it? If so, how?
Hey Susana! You brought up a point about ruining people's self esteem that make me think of bullying. I mean that is what a bully essentially does right? What separates a troll from a bully? Maybe it's the fact that trolls are annoying and not meant to be taken seriously while bullies are cruel and target a specific person? Even if there is a distinction, there is a very fine line, and a troll might unknowingly cross it. Unfortunately, it is very hard to prevent because personal opinion plays a big part in self esteem. Even though a comment from low-life troll should not be taken seriously, people oftentimes believe it. We are much more sensitive to others' opinions especially online.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you Susana. There is a fine line between opinions and bullying! I really agreed with you when you said "they're dragging our self esteem with them!" Not only are they making the internet so unpleasant that it's almost unbearable, but they are making us feel bad in the process.
ReplyDeleteSusana I agree with you on calling the trollers mad, but i would say their are issues that they have that cause them to troll so in a way they are mad in the head.
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