The digital virus: Trolls spreading lies and hate

By Joshua Corcuera

 

As a highly contagious virus continues its onslaught, we all check at one another’s safety amid the pandemic. This is uplifting knowing that someone out there is supporting you, hoping your life won’t be cut short. But there is another virus we need to be aware and vigilant of. And no, it’s not a medical virus that directly affects our physical being like COVID-19, but it can impact society for worse. The virus we are talking of is a digital one — internet trolls spreading lies, fear, and hatred in various social media sites. But what exactly are they, why do they commit such actions, and how can they affect us?

 

Trolls and why they troll

Chances are you probably heard the word troll already since they’re narrated in children’s stories. As told in tales, a troll is an angry monster hiding under bridges to snatch up goats. In real life, though, there are internet trolls who hide behind the screens of their computers and phones causing misery online. There are various reasons as to why people troll others. Mark Griffiths, Professor of Behavioral Addiction at Nottingham Trent University, said that most people troll others either for revenge, for attention-seeking, for boredom, and for personal amusement. Moreover, public figures use internet propagandists with the intention of swaying public opinion, undermining critics, or changing the perception of what is the dominant view. We can definitely witness this in social media conversations in the Philippines.

There are hundreds of social media accounts without profile pictures and without discernible names who have constantly attacked legitimate accounts. These accounts usually flood genuine concerns with angry reactions, as well as rude comments telling them that they are communists or terrorists. For instance, when ABS-CBN was shut down, many people expressed support for the embattled media giant only to receive hate messages. When the Anti-Terror Law was signed, those who are critical of the legislation garnered hate emojis and were tagged as terrorists, even though there is no evidence to support such a claim.

 

A nation divided by misinformation

The consequence of trolling is clearly detrimental as it bitterly divides people on key social issues. In fact, some trolls would go on to spreading lies even if there is no concrete evidence proving such lies as truth. However, some people who read the allegations of trolls would believe such accusations. As a result, people are polarized and ultimately, it can shape the social and political background of the country. Meanwhile, troll victims can experience heightened levels of anxiety and lower self-esteem affecting their mental health. Clearly, trolls are capable of leaving a negative impact not only on ordinary people, but also on crucial political events in general, and elections in particular.

 

Always be critical and discerning

With these harmful effects on individuals and the capability to polarize society, getting rid of internet trolls seem important. There are various ways to avoid trolls such as not responding to their messages and blocking them. Furthermore, independent and impartial fact-checkers have corrected misinformation, and it is imperative to be critical and discerning. People must check first whether what they see or read or heard is true instead of believing in it right away. Although trolling in social media is a complex problem, people can take up simple steps to somehow alleviate such issues.

As the internet reaches more people than ever, there is a need to stop spreading lies and promote media literacy. It is true that freedom of speech must be made available to all people, but everyone also has the right and the need to access the truth — not lies. A healthy and constructive discourse is what society needs to be fully informed of the challenges that lie ahead, and what must be done to overcome the obstacles we face.