Just like everyone else, I have dealt with my fair share of internet trolls and they are only growing in numbers by the day. My time online is sometimes spent dealing with some rather bizarre and pointless interactions with a few extremely unhappy people with nothing better to do that create havoc on the web.
So, Iet's give them their 5 minutes of fame and discuss all about these rampant and faceless keyboard warriors whose presence has become synonymous with the world wide web.
What is an Internet Troll and what can you do to avoid letting them affect you and your online presence? Here are some tips:
1. Don't engage with them: The less you respond to online trolls, the less they will bother you. These individuals often thrive on attention, and so by not acknowledging their comments, you're taking away their power.
2. Monitor and delete comments: Keep a close eye on your comments section and delete anything that is abusive or inappropriate. Don't hesitate to block users who post such comments.
3. Focus on your goals: Remember what your goals are, and why you put yourself out there. Focusing on your goals will help you avoid getting sidetracked by negative comments from trolls.
4. Don't take it personally: Remember that online trolls are not attacking you personally – they are attacking a perceived idea or image of you. Try not to take it to heart or let it affect your self-esteem.
5. Get support: Reach out to friends, family, or fellow professionals who can offer support and help you stay focused on your goals. They can provide perspective and positive feedback to counteract any negativity you may face online.
6. Use humor: Sometimes, responding to online trolls with humor can diffuse the situation and make you appear confident and in control. Just make sure your humor doesn't come across as sarcastic or mean-spirited.
7. Know when to report: If an online troll is crossing the line into harassment or threatening behavior, don't hesitate to report them to the appropriate authorities or platform administrators.
8. Take a break: It's important to take breaks from social media and online interactions if you feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Spending time offline or engaging in self-care activities can help you recharge and come back stronger.
9. Remember the positive feedback: Make a point to focus on the positive feedback you receive from your followers and fans. This can help balance out any negative comments and remind you of the impact you are making.
10. Stay true to yourself: Ultimately, the best way to deal with online trolls is to stay true to yourself and your values. Don't let their comments change who you are or what you stand for. Stay authentic and genuine, and your true fans will support you no matter what.
PS: On a lighter note, people say that when you start getting trolls, it means you have are now considered relevant or, some even say that you have arrived. So I say roll out the red carpet and watch me make my way towards the A-Listers!
