Trolling

                Trolling is the deliberate usage of technology to harm others, typically through the use of hateful or manipulative words. Coming in many forms, trolling became widespread with the rise of social media and the inclusion of comment sections on most websites. Another key component of trolling has to do with the fact that online forums, social media, and comment sections are often anonymous. Anonymity enables people to say (type, in this case) things which they would not normally say in real life. YouTube is a famous playground for trolls. Since YouTube does not require users to supply their real names, people feel free to say whatever they want. Often one can find hateful remarks and insults in the comment section for just about any video. These comments are usually threatening toward the subject(s) of the video, the uploader, or the cause or idea associated with the video. Sometimes the comments are relatively harmless in actuality, other times the comments can be full-on harassment, potentially psychological and/or sexual in nature. In the case of GamerGate, these instances of harassment can destroy careers and ruin lives.

                Tech companies have the obligation to do their utmost to cut down on trolling. One would think that the simplest method to cut back on trolling would be to remove anonymity from the internet. However, as Slate mentioned, anonymity can be a crucial factor online. People who live in countries without free speech rely on anonymity to express their opinions to the outside world. Additionally, anonymity enables people to inspire change without allowing personal biases and prejudices to influence the situation. Although trolling very often technically falls under the category of “free speech,” it is harmful to the greater good just as often. As providers of goods and services, technology companies have at least some responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their customers. In order to do so, it is important for companies like Google and Twitter to work to cut down on trolling.

                Trolling of the GamerGate sort is perhaps the worst thing the internet enables us to do (except, perhaps, the ability to use Tor to anonymously buy illegal weapons and traffic people). GamerGate and similar trolling of Robin Williams’s daughter caused deep psychological damage to those involved. On the other hand, petty trolling within a YouTube comment section is relatively harmless. For example, there is one particular USC fan who consistently writes stupid comments under Notre Dame football highlight videos. This troll’s comments have not ruined lives, nor have they affected any real change in the world. Usually, one or two ND fans will simply tell him to stop trolling. For harmless trolling such as this, the only way to deal with it is to deny the troll the attention they seek. If no one engages with a harmless troll, said troll will usually go away. However, if a troll does make comments which cause genuine damage, it seems logical that some sort of prosecution should occur. When I browse the internet, I very rarely contribute to forums or comment sections. I am a classic lurker, consuming vast amounts of content without actually contributing much to the content. Aside from the occasional social media post, Reddit post, or Wikipedia edit, I don’t post online very often. So no, I am not a troll.