Being Accused Of Being A Troll When Ur Not

[Mezza362]

Anyone else sick of this? I've not had it more than once personally but my close friend is always being called a troll on oarenting websites because she has different views to others. It's as if you can't talk or discuss anything controversial without being accused of being a troll.

Do you think online communities have got a bit nasty?

[Daffy6543]

They have always been that way, I've been using online groups/communities for around 12 years and they have changed little in that time.

[boxtops]

I've ever been accused of being a troll so I can't say I'm sick of it..... we used to have seriously unpleasant trolling as a regular feature on this site. It wasn't nice.

This was being discussed on the radio last night, how people hide behind on-line personae to behave in ways they wouldn't dream of behaving in read life.

[pixie373]

I don't know - how does she express it?

[Mezza362]

I've only had it once before when I expressed an opinion on an opinion board. Not ever from one of my posts. I haven't ever come across anything that I thought was deliberate trolling but I'm not the best at spotting it.

I usually ignore what I consider deliberate attempt at wind-up I just wish others did too. Because troll hunting only encourages it.

Only problem is people don't seem to be able to tell the difference between someone who may be a bit ignorant or have controversial views, and someone who is a troll. It sometimes ruins posts and online communities

[pixie373]

Well, we're all lovely on here, mezza :-)

[Mezza362]

Thanks pixie :-)

[Old_Geezer]

Some websites can be a little cliquey and require you to hold the group view.

Now no more troll threads like this one, eh ?

[Mosaic]

I don't think forums have got nastier. It's always been pretty bog standard that the anonymity brings out the worst in some people, so you get an accentuation of mobbing / bullying / ganging up. There are plenty of examples of people being accused of trolling simply for not conforming. Provided one's unconventional views are expressed politely, then your conscience is clear. A while back I got a right ol' group kicking on AB, for suggesting that 'nutter' was an unfortunate term to use with reference to people with mental health issues. Keep your digital chin held high, express yourself clearly and fairly and carry on enjoying interaction.

[Mezza362]

When I was 17 I was a member of a few forums but never wrote my own posts just lurked or replied so I never really got to see the working of an online forum. I think the psychology of it is interesting.