Aditya Amonkar – Std. IX
(This article was published in Times NIE, 26th March 2018)
Trolling is deliberately, cleverly and secretly vexing people via the internet. Trolling does not mean shouting swear words at others; it is just flaming and not funny.
The main intent behind trolling is either to make your victim believe that what you are saying is real or posting malicious instructions under the pretense of being helpful. Trollers are people who enjoy the misery of others and have nothing better to do. Their so called mission is to lower the person’s self-esteem.
Another form of trolling is roasting. Students stalk other people’s posts and put hateful comments. A response is elicited by the person who is trolled. Even teachers are not spared. The comments are insulting and spiteful. They just write whatever they think is right at that moment, and they don’t care about the feelings of the other people even if they are teachers.
Students are trolled by their companions and it starts as a playful prank, but spirals out of control. The students trolled, are skeptical when to inform the parents or teachers. Weak minded people who cannot zone this out can go through phases of depression and anxiety. It affects their day to day life, making simple everyday tasks a challenge.
Instagram roasting is also catching on. People send inappropriate comments and try to pull pranks on others, not realizing that they are crossing the line.
Parents have to be vigilant and pay attention to what their child is up to.
Students are brazen these days and don’t seem to want to respect the dignity of others. Trolling is against the law and there are multiple outreach and awareness programs to help the disturbed.What makes trolling even sadder is the fact that the people who troll others tend to be the most insecure and fragile people, trying to increase their self-worth by putting others down.
Although counselling sessions are for the aid of victims, it is the trollers who truly need help.