Understanding and Responding to Troll Questions on the Internet

Have you ever encountered a question that seems to have no context or clear intent? Maybe it's a question that seems too tailored to provoke a reaction or one that just doesn't make sense. It might be a troll question. These types of questions, while often innocuous, can derail online conversations and discussions, using attention and energy that could be better spent elsewhere.

Trial and Error to Recognize Trolls

It often takes more than one encounter to identify a troll. Sometimes, a question might slip by before you realize its nature. The realization comes with a few similar incidents or when the question format becomes characteristic of a troll's behavior.

The Power of Attention

On the internet, good or bad attention is considered valuable. Troll questions are designed to create controversy. Anyone, whether on one side or another, can benefit from digitally attaching themselves to any question that's generating a lot of attention. This is why trolling works, even if it doesn't always work in the troll's favor.

Example of a Regular Question

For instance, imagine a straightforward question such as:

Where do I find a good person to help me with my taxes last minute?

Responses might not come immediately, or you might only see a few replies, perhaps 2 to 20, with 600 views.

Compare to a Troll Question

Now, consider a trolling question such as:

How would you feel if a 6-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl were playing at the park, and a 13-year-old girl joined them, their feet got stinky in the mud, and they all chased and hugged each other yelling “STINK ATTACK” and fell down laughing, touching each other’s hair?

Such a question can generate 1.6k views and 800 answers, many of which might be emotionally charged and focus on potentially unrelated issues like pedophilia. It’s these types of questions that trolls use to provoke a reaction and shift the narrative in their favor.

Handling Troll Questions with Humor or Directness

I handle trolls by adding humor or sometimes directly pointing out the nature of the question. My motivation, like many others, is often to make a lighthearted comment rather than to subtly guide the discussion away from the troll. However, Quora has no rules against trolls directly answering questions, and they still do it. They often even avoid answering the question if it is clear that it is a troll, but they will engage in other interactions.

Reasons Behind Responding to Trolls

There are several possible reasons for responding to trolls, even when other users do not:

Unaware Trolls: Some users might not realize they are proposing trolls until their behavior becomes more apparent. This can be especially true for new users who are not yet experienced in the dynamics of online interactions. Gratuitous Information: Although it is a troll, the question and answer might have some useful information. Ignoring the question entirely could mean missing out on valuable insights. Entertainment Value: These sorts of trolls often engage in silly answers to silly questions, which can be entertaining or simply a fun way to pass the time. Voting and Reporting: For especially upsetting questions, pointing out the troll status and providing links to block and mute functionality can save time for other users who are engaged in legitimate discussions. You can also report the question to make it less visible in the feed.

The Internet: A Place for Trolls Since the Beginning

The internet, particularly platforms like Quora, has always had its share of trolls. The idea of a troll-free internet is a utopian concept. Consider the timeline of the internet's development, specifically the initial days of ARPANET. The idea that the internet has always had trolls and was a more innocent place in its early days is a common misconception. Trolling is not a new phenomenon, but it has certainly evolved with the evolution of the internet.

Conclusion

While trolls can certainly disrupt online conversations, they are a part of the internet's landscape. Understanding and responding to them effectively can help maintain a healthy and productive online environment. Whether through humor, directness, or directing users to report or block troll activity, engaging with trolls in a thoughtful manner can have positive effects on the quality and engagement of online discussions.