Mental health problems (how to deal with trolls)?

[Bil]

Its clear that whether because of more prevalent diagnosis tools or because of the rapid change in global societies, there is a significantly growing proportion of humanity that is suffering mental health problems.

the following is a chilling collection of statistics, about the UK in this cozen, but probably representative of several other countries: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-41125009

As an ailment historically perceived as a sign of weakness and so often not spoken about or dealt with, in todays world it is becoming far more acceptable in much of the world to come forward when suffering.

In the online world, there is no shortage of similar problem which become very obvious particularly in social media. erratic posts, unprovoked aggression, hate mongering, repetitive deliberate provocation, vindictiveness, and even re-registering in communities when banned several times with a new persona pretending to be from a different country - all different types of trolling are often sign of a mental health problem, sometimes severe, but might also be immaturity or stupidity - perhaps a combination of all three. the online medium provides a degree of anonymity, so is a perfect outlet for trolls, whether genuinely mentally sick, or just bad people.

It is an interesting question as to how to deal with someone suffering in this way - harshly: in order to contain the damage to an online community, or with sympathy: in order to aid someone suffering mental ill health.

it is a severe enough recognised problem, that the police in the UK at any rate, do have mechanisms in place for reporting of people that run rampant in online communities, or who spread divisiveness and hate.

so what is the general opinion on how best to deal with these people (trolls)?

 

[masterchief_mirza]

I don't understand this supposed diagnosis.

Surely trolling causes mental health problems in the victims of trolling. Who says trolls themselves by definition have mental health problems? What is the scientific basis for this assertion?

Do bullies in general get to play a mental health card to escape punishment? What b.s. world do we live in here?

All crimes seem excusable now by crying mental health mental health, except terrible Islamist terror of course!

 

[El Sidd]

I am deeply scarred and mentally bullied by this thread.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Laws could be passed that require websites to mandate that users of their site disclose true names and contact information to the website owner. Then, laws could also require websites to disclose names and contact information if requested by a legitimate law enforcement procedure or a civil damages litigation. Further, statements published online could also be legally deemed to be "published" and the posters, therefore, subject to libel and slander actions.

 

[El Sidd]

Laws could be passed that require websites to mandate that users of their site disclose true names and contact information to the website owner. Then, laws could also require websites to disclose names and contact information if requested by a legitimate law enforcement procedure or a civil damages litigation. Further, statements published online could also be legally deemed to be "published" and the posters, therefore, subject to libel and slander actions.

I think its called the Patriot Act

 

[jaibi]

You raise a good point.

However, practically, you cannot expect the world to change instantly to cater to one need so here are a few things that could help:

1. Know your limits, if it gets too much, it's ok to walk away for a while.

2. Some trolling is OK, sometimes people are having fun, you don't like it then ignore and move on.

3. Know that words are words, it isn't personal.

4. Don't feed the trolls. (They want you to argue)

5. Have an online support group too, if you feel upset, talk to them. OR if you feel like go to a mental health specialist.

(I have worked in mental health care for the past decade, based on my experience)

Its clear that whether because of more prevalent diagnosis tools or because of the rapid change in global societies, there is a significantly growing proportion of humanity that is suffering mental health problems.

the following is a chilling collection of statistics, about the UK in this cozen, but probably representative of several other countries: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-41125009

As an ailment historically perceived as a sign of weakness and so often not spoken about or dealt with, in todays world it is becoming far more acceptable in much of the world to come forward when suffering.

In the online world, there is no shortage of similar problem which become very obvious particularly in social media. erratic posts, unprovoked aggression, hate mongering, repetitive deliberate provocation, vindictiveness, and even re-registering in communities when banned several times with a new persona pretending to be from a different country - all different types of trolling are often sign of a mental health problem, sometimes severe, but might also be immaturity or stupidity - perhaps a combination of all three. the online medium provides a degree of anonymity, so is a perfect outlet for trolls, whether genuinely mentally sick, or just bad people.

It is an interesting question as to how to deal with someone suffering in this way - harshly: in order to contain the damage to an online community, or with sympathy: in order to aid someone suffering mental ill health.

it is a severe enough recognised problem, that the police in the UK at any rate, do have mechanisms in place for reporting of people that run rampant in online communities, or who spread divisiveness and hate.

so what is the general opinion on how best to deal with these people (trolls)?

Already happens if someone shows criminal intent. Trolling isn't criminal.

Laws could be passed that require websites to mandate that users of their site disclose true names and contact information to the website owner. Then, laws could also require websites to disclose names and contact information if requested by a legitimate law enforcement procedure or a civil damages litigation. Further, statements published online could also be legally deemed to be "published" and the posters, therefore, subject to libel and slander actions.

 

[Old School]

Anti social behaviors online is as much as a big problem in real life. Troll is a form of anti social behavior. As existing laws are often act as facilitator to anti social behaviors instead preventing them, the society has to take larger responsibilities. The bottom line is, no one will protect you unless you take the initiative. It is foolish to wait for the auth6 to act. They will do nothing.

 

[masterchief_mirza]

Exposure to online trolling will prepare you for the real world, where people ranging from total strangers to those you work with will try to screw you and manipulate realities to gain advantage at your expense.

Trust me.

This world is a war zone. Why are we defeating ourselves by crying mental health inappropriately every five minutes?

Learn from the trolls. Believe me - they don't have as many mental health issues as you think.

 

[jaibi]

Just to add, learn from trolls, in fact, everyone but don't become like them.

Exposure to online trolling will prepare you for the real world, where people ranging from total strangers to those you work with will try to screw you and manipulate realities to gain advantage at your expense.

Trust me.

This world is a war zone. Why are we defeating ourselves by crying mental health inappropriately every five minutes?

Learn from the trolls. Believe me - they don't have as many mental health issues as you think.

 

[Bil]

I believe these mental issues were always there but people were too shy or scared to speak up about it in past which they are doing now...

I also believe many have mental issues these days because of whatever reasons. Life has become too hectic, youre always on the edge, you are anti-social and find online forums to express yourself so on and so forth. However, the most dangerous are those who start lying when arguing with others and go to length just to have "last word" in the argument - this mindset is certainly wrong. Not necessary that you have to say last word or go any length to win the argument (you can win an argument with facts, with some rational and with a small post, not necessarily have to write an article).

Also, you need to realized and accept that you are not always right (neither you are expert on every subject). So indulge yourself in an argument with open mind, respect others opinion and even accept it if he/she is right and provides rational.

Last but not the least, leave your ego aside.

That said, I am sorry to say, what I mentioned above is missing in online troll community.

 

[Imran Khan]

its very easy
be troll with trolls