Re:Internet (Score 1)

Having spent years posting on message boards (since I was, like, 12), I've never found a way to really successfully combat trolls. It's a pity, but sometimes the best way to deal with them is to absolutely verbally tear them apart. This is emotionally hard to do. When you're 15, it's easy. But as you get older, it just feels wrong. I've tried pointing out logical fallacies (I'm pretty familiar with them having been a high school debater for a bit), but one kid felt to the need to say, "So I see you just pointed this out so you could use the word 'fallacious'." Trolls are looking for a rise, but at the same time, having run a message board, criticizing trolls can actually have internet friends turn against you. I've been called a dictator for banning trolls or immature flamers and dealt with all the repercussions that come with that decision. There is no really good solution, it seems. Even ignoring them makes me feel cowardly and makes me feel like other people think I cannot come up with a factual, reasonable response to the troll. It seems like a no-win situation. It really is best not to get involved, but it's a total lesser of two evils situation. No good answer.