The definition of internet trolling was made in 2002 as it is a disruption and wasting of peoples times . However, when most people think about internet trolling they think of hostile intentions that are done online; when in fact that description is one that goes to internet flaming (n.d. 2019). These are two different view points that often get combined into one and according to the online article “Online Trolling Used to be Funny, But Now the Term Refers to Something Far More Sinister” Internet trolling is being used by researchers as a catch all terminology.
Still ‘trolling’ online is perceived as a negative thing whether that means the content is a waste of time, hate speech, hostility, or anything in between. It is unpleasant to be around. I think most would agree it would be best if trolling was stopped and was not allowed on the internet. However, as Rainie, Anderson & Albright point out in their article, “The Future of Free Speech, Trolls, Anonymity and Fake News Online” the biggest obstacle we run into with getting rid of trolling is freedom of speech. We have the freedom to share our thoughts and voices and prohibiting people to post based on its content is in violation of this right.
As we are working to find a balance to stop hate speech, while allowing rights to be retained some social media formats are taking steps to help this issue. One big thing is that we sign a terms and agreement form, this allows social media profiles to list a set of rules about what is allowed and that they have the option to take down posts they feel is necessary. People who are browsing social media can also alert the company of hateful speech by ‘reporting’ the post and saying why. The company can take a look and take down the post. Between the difference in understandings of the terminology, and the fight between freedom of speech and getting rid of hate speech, there is much work that needs to be done on this issue.
