Writer: Sabina Hooper
A Statista report released in April 2023 said that during an April 2019 survey regarding negative perceptions and experiences on social media, 71 percent of social media users in Canada found that people tended to be more hostile and negative on social media than they are or would be in real life. A further 60 percent of respondents were worried social media was fostering hate and violence in society.
The term “trolling” refers to individuals who respond to online content or comments in a purposely disruptive manner. The name arose as a reference to mythological trolls, a creature that lurks in dark places waiting for prey. Online, trolls often use comment threads to cyberbully other users, discredit valid content or comments and/ or spread disinformation. In many cases, trolls are sock puppets – fake accounts created so the users can comment anonymously.
I spend a significant amount of time on social media because of our business. In addition to posting our content, I also look for community events and other stories that our readers may find compelling. Social media can be a really valuable tool for connecting people and it should be used to do so. However, I’ve noticed an increase in comments that range from insults to outright aggression. Just this morning, I saw posts that included statements like “get a life”, “shut up and learn something”, and the ever popular “what the f-k is wrong with you?” While I completely support a spirited debate, comments like these serve no one.
To be fair – we’ve all mocked or criticized social media posts at some time. People are entitled to an opinion and are free to express themself. However, some social media users have no qualms about being downright nasty to others. More often than not those comments elicit a nasty response…which elicits a nasty response…which elicits yet another nasty response. Before you know it, other people get in on the argument and you end up with dozens of comments that are disrespectful to say the least. During offline conversations I’ve had about social media, particularly Facebook, many people have said that they dare not contribute to discussions for fear that other users will pile on with aggressive comments. Others said that they don’t go on social media anymore because of the fighting.
It doesn’t stop there. Governor General Mary Simon’s office stopped taking public comments via her social media channels because of “violent threats”, and racist, misogynist, and abusive interactions. Two organizations I have worked with in the past year told me that they have received literally thousands of threats of violence via anonymous phone calls, email, and social media. One organization was so concerned that they paid to have security systems installed in the homes of all of their employees. These are families with children. How can anyone consider these types of actions ok?
As a business owner, I’m relieved to say that we don’t get many of these aggressive interactions. I make it a point to engage with readers who comment because I appreciate the time they take to consume our content. They deserve a response whether they have submitted a compliment or a criticism. I take constructive criticism to heart because I see it as feedback that can help us deliver a better product. What I don’t respond to is aggression. I’ve received messages via email and social media containing everything from name calling to racist comments, and we received one threat of violence. That message was forwarded to police and the rest were simply deleted.
While I consider these kinds of comments an annoyance that sadly has become part of the job as a journalist, it has had an impact on my family. Last Christmas, my brother gifted me a security camera for my house because he was concerned about some of the comments I was getting. I find that more disturbing than the comments themselves. My family should not have to be concerned for my safety when I am just doing my job.
Something else that I find very disturbing is I’m seeing many of these over-the-top disputes on community social media pages. Think about that. These users are hurling insults at people who are in their own community. They may live on your street, work at your local supermarket, or teach at a school your children attend. Perhaps simply not engaging in an online fight is the way to keep the peace.
However, sometimes being tactful isn’t the best way to convey a point, so here’s a direct message to trolls:
- Insulting someone online does not make you witty or superior in any way.
- Sharing thoughts and opinions is encouraged but you do not have a right to be rude or judgemental.
- You have the option of scrolling past posts that you don’t agree with. Engaging in an online argument or making an offensive comment is unnecessary.
- Resorting to insults, cursing, and aggressive behaviour is a poor reflection of you. No one wants to look bad to others, so why engage in online behaviour that portrays you as an unintelligent bully?
- Here’s an important point – everyone is accountable for their actions. People have lost jobs or have been kicked out of school because of their social media behaviour. In some cases, it’s criminal. All platforms have safety measures in place and have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to abusive behaviour and harassment. Should you choose to be aggressive, you run the risk of having your account suspended or being banned altogether.
BUT – sometimes people make statements that come across as aggressive when they aren’t intended to be. For instance, a reader recently made a comment about the quality of our content that I found harsh and unwarranted. To avoid a public dispute, I contacted the reader via Messenger, and we had a very valuable discussion about his issue. It ended with him apologizing for how he’d expressed his opinion and me assuring him that his feedback was valued. No conflict. No insults. Just a reasonable discussion and resolution. The takeaway from this story is simple – express your opinion but choose your words carefully. Swearing, insults and threats accomplish nothing.
One last point that I want to make. News stories about cyberbullying usually focus on teens. Tragically, there have been several cases where the bullying is so severe that people have taken their life. This also applies to adults. We don’t know other people’s stories. What if the person you call a name or swear at is suffering from severe depression? Do you want your comment to be the last straw that pushes them to hurt themself or someone else? That’s not melodrama – that’s reality.
Haters gonna hate. It’s a fact of life. As I said earlier, a spirited debate can be a great thing when everyone respects boundaries. Just be respectful. We need to do better.
