Trolls, A Case Study

If you’ve seen the modern Disney classic, Frozen, you might think that trolls can be pretty adorable. They sing, dance, like to give hugs, and are all about family and making each other feel warm and accepted.

But in real life, Internet trolls aren’t so lovely. They stalk in wait for someone to say something potentially controversial, and pounce on it like a dog with a bone. They’re mean, comment to incite a reaction, and have the potential to make your post look bad. And sadly, they get a certain glee and joy from this. The worst part is that you don’t see them coming. Bam! Some trolls are so slick, you won’t even know what hit you.

I never realized how many Internet trolls there were out there until I started posting about my online swimwear business on Linkedin. By and large, people have been very supportive and professional when I make my posts. But when I made a post recently asking if a photo of a famous supermodel in a bikini was appropriate for LinkedIn, some trolls crawled out from under their bridge to make some nasty and snide comments. 

I know they were just looking to get a rise out of the rest of us professionals, who are on LinkedIn to promote our products, our businesses and ourselves.

Like it or not, trolls do have the power to affect what we think about a company, a product or a person. But people can’t help but react to some nasty words, and like it or not, people can be swayed by not-so-nice words. It is important to remember those words can hurt your company.

Here are some effective techniques to dealing with Internet trolls:

Kill them with kindness

They Started Popping Up On Twitter, FaceBook, All Over!

Take the High Road

Take the high road. Directly – and publicly – reply to their nasty comment. Thank them for taking the time to read their post, and tell them that while you respect their right to have an opinion, tell them that you disagree, and wish them well. Have a nice day! Once they see that you aren’t bothered by their words (even if you are) they’ll find someone else to bother.

How To Unsubscribe From Someones Updates

It is important to remember that internet trolls are just trying to get a reaction – like bullies in the schoolyard.

Get others to side with you

Elicit sympathy and support from other mature, like-minded professionals. Remember that professionals will respect you as a business person, and will likely go out of their way to defend a fellow pro if they see that you are being unfairly treated or harassed. Draw attention to what the trolls have posted and wait for others to come to your defense and to your rescue. Once the troll sees what they are up against, and that they are alone, they will slink off.

(This comment made me fall out of my chair with laughter, Thank you Nick)

(Endorsements from Influential Business Psychologists Help) 

Give them a virtual blank stare

What’s the easiest way to silence a troll? Meet their accusations and unkind words with silence. Once trolls see that they haven’t gotten the response or attention that they so desperately want, they’ll likely go back under their bridges.

A "Selection" Of Threads

Asking Questions

Increasing Velocity

Sometimes Silence Is Best

Learning and Adapting 

The Exclusive Agua Bendita Swimwear Collection Pictured Above

Candice Galek is a young Female entrepreneur who has a knack for asking the question, "Why?" Cuban coffee connoisseur, contributing writer, and hobby tennis player. Making my dreams a reality multiple projects at a time. More info at https://www.bikiniluxe.com 

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