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What's with the trolls?

The Internet is an interesting place and, in many ways, going online is a lot like going on holiday.

I say that because there's a rather unusual trait of human behaviour which often sees us (particularly when we're young) taking on a whole new persona when we travel to a new place for some down-time.

It's not uncommon for people to adopt decidedly uncharacteristic behaviour when holidaying away from home. People that are usually quiet and unassuming can become gregarious and outgoing.

Some people who normally wouldn't dream of doing anything to annoy others become utter bores and engage in anti-social behaviour at the drop of hat.

Perhaps it's the anonymity that being in a place where nobody is likely to recognise you, perhaps it's just the chance to vent all those pent-up frustrations -- I don't know, but it is not uncommon.

Unfortunately, some people behave in exactly the same way once they get online.

As soon as they enter the virtual world they start spoiling for a fight and turn into trolls.

Of course anonymity is an important part of this whole situation so most of these trolls use pseudonyms so as to preserve their true identity.

As regular readers will know, I've had a bit of a bunfight with certain "grumpy old men" in recent times. There has been egg left on faces and challenges made to "the status quo" -- all of which has clearly upset some people out there.

Unfortunately, although most people are honest and reasonable, it seems that others are not -- and the "others" have surfaced in the form of nasty little trolls who'd rather conjure up lies and disinformation then try to spread it using their troll aliases.

For example, recently I've been accused of dole bludging (even though I've never applied for nor been on the dole a single day in my entire life) and all sorts of other things -- by anonymous trolls.

How tragic that some people can only enjoy themselves if they're trying to knock others.

I actually wonder if this level of trolling might be classified as a new form of psychiatric disorder.

So where do you draw the line between free speech, trolling and cyberbullying?

Well I don't feel I'm being cyberbullied -- hell, I'm old enough and my skin is thick enough that such venomous lies can't penetrate my armour. However, I'm sure there are many others who would be deeply hurt when a small group of people choose to attack them online -- simply because they can.

I don't know that crushing cyberbullies and trolls with the power of the law will ever change anything -- nor do I think it's perhaps the best way to deal with this phenomenon.

Given the insane lengths some of these trolls go to (creating multiple accounts so they can appear to be larger in number and supporting each other), the real answer must be to get them some help.

Perhaps someone who creates multiple accounts to harass another is showing early signs of schizophrenia?

It would be interesting to track these trolls and see if "trolling" makes you predisposed to engage in illegal activities in "the real world".

How do readers think the issue of trolling and cyberbullying be handled?

Is it perhaps a sign of deeper problems lurking with those who engage in such things? Do they need punishment or help?

Will ignoring them always be the best solution -- or might that drive them to engage in even worse actions out of sheer frustration that nobody is listening?

Personally, I feel rather sorry for anyone who's life is so shallow and empty that they feel a need to try and make others feel as unhappy as they obviously are.

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