Troll Trouble? Try This.
A simple process for taming political trolls on social media.
We’ve all been there.
You’re trying to say something about an important political issue — abortion, gun safety, Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, trans rights — when the other person suddenly goes off. Maybe they call you a “libtard” or “baby killer.” Maybe they attack your motives and say you’re just looking to “live off the government’s teat.” Or maybe they don’t attack you personally at all, but impugn groups with whom you identify, calling progressives “idiots” and “dupes” who are “incapable of original thought.”
What should you do?
Conventional wisdom says walk away. “Don’t feed the trolls! You’ll just encourage them.”
My experience doesn’t support this advice, however. Some of my most interesting and productive dialogues have occurred with people who others dismiss out of hand. Some of these so-called trolls have even become my friends.
How can this be? I’m not particularly charismatic. I’m not a saint. And I’m certainly not patient.
What superpower allows me to successfully engage where others fear to tread?
Simple. I’m a mom.
