If you’ve come across unwanted and emotionally charged internet communications, you are not alone. A 2019 study from The Australia Institute showed more than one in three Australians have experienced online harassment. Sometimes the best strategy is to ignore it, especially if you are dealing with internet trolls.

What is an internet troll?

A troll is someone who posts inflammatory, insincere and off-topic messages in an online community or public forum to gain a reaction. So long as someone (anyone) is biting back, they’ve reached their goal.

While both trolling and cyberbullying seek to cause harm using online means, a troll isn’t someone who targets a specific person to show them in a negative light, rather they are attention seekers looking to provoke the biggest possible reaction and gain the spotlight.

What effects does online trolling have on victims?

Many trolls view their antics as funny. They hide behind fake names and screens and provoke ‘harmlessly’ from a safe distance. The effects are far from harmless. The distress from trolling has been linked to sleep problems, lowered self-esteem, self-harm, depression as well as suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

This is a serious online threat that does need to be addressed and acknowledged. If trolling has happened to you, especially if it’s ongoing, speak up.

How do I deal with internet trolls?

You have a number of choices for how to avoid and deal with internet trolls. The course you take will depend on how close you are to the material trolls are defacing. No matter what the situation is, don’t respond.

Showing the troll they have caused upset will only reinforce their behaviour. If they are getting zero responses, they’ll move on to an easier target. Responding will also attract the attention of other trolls who will join the conversation and escalate the negativity.

The three main courses of action are:

• Logoff

• Block

• Report

Logging off doesn’t mean you need to exit the internet altogether, just be selective about which sites you spend time on. If trolling is common on certain websites, remove yourself from these platforms so you are not exposed to agitation.

Report harmful posts and request to block the user. If the comment is about your personal post or article, request to have the comment removed and blocked - just be sure to take a screenshot beforehand as historical proof of the incident, including time and date in case you need to take action down the track.

If the harassment is particularly harsh or relentless there are people you can report to. Uncovering the identities of trolls can be difficult but if the incidents are serious, it can be worth pressing charges.

Where to go for help with online trolling?

Be sure to take care of yourself. If you are feeling the impact of trolling, talk to people you trust, get help from counselling services, helplines or a referral from your GP to talk to someone who understands what you are going through.

As well as documenting trolling incidents and requesting them to be removed and blocked through the platform provider, document the effects it is having on your health and seek legal advice on how you can take further action.

Know your rights. It is against the law to Use a Carriage Service To Menace, Harass Or Cause Offence. Talk to a legal representative to know what your rights are and what action you can take.