Don’t feed the trolls

What does Don’t feed the trolls mean?

“Don’t feed the trolls” is a widely-used adage in online forums, Social Media, and other digital platforms. It signifies a strategy for dealing with individuals who engage in disruptive or provoking behavior, known as “trolling.” The Term “troll” refers to someone who posts inflammatory or off-topic content with the sole intention of eliciting a negative response from others.

The concept behind “Don’t feed the trolls” is that by ignoring or not responding to their actions, users deprive them of the attention they crave. This strategy aims to discourage trolls by making their efforts futile and preventing them from creating unnecessary conflict or disruption within the Online community.

Applications

“Don’t feed the trolls” is an essential principle in maintaining healthy and respectful online environments. It applies to a wide range of situations, including:

• Online forums and discussion boards: Trolls often frequent these platforms to stir up controversy and provoke reactions. By adhering to “Don’t feed the trolls,” users can prevent trolls from hijacking discussions and disrupting the exchange of constructive ideas.
• Social media: Trolls may post provocative comments, spread misinformation, or engage in personal attacks on social media platforms. Ignoring or reporting such behavior discourages trolls from continuing their disruptive actions.
• Gaming communities: Trolls may use in-game chats or forums to taunt other players, create chaos, or ruin the gaming experience for others. By not responding to trolls and reporting their behavior, gamers can help maintain a fair and enjoyable online gaming environment.
• Customer support: Trolls may contact customer support with unreasonable demands or try to provoke a negative response from agents. By following “Don’t feed the trolls,” customer support representatives can avoid fueling the troll’s behavior and maintain a professional and respectful tone.

History

The origins of the term “Don’t feed the trolls” can BE traced back to the early days of the internet in the 1990s. As online forums and discussion boards gained popularity, users encountered trolls who sought to disrupt conversations and cause chaos. In response, experienced users began advising others to ignore trolls and not engage with them.

The term gained widespread recognition in the early 2000s, when it was popularized by online communities such as Usenet, Reddit, and 4chan. It has since become a standard practice in many online spaces, helping to create and maintain civil and productive environments.