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What are we to do with "Comment Trolls" here at TED?
Stephen Downs writes on his blog that I subscribe to, "OLDWeekly. He recently wrote on the subject of " comment trolls."
"We'll use the word 'science' a little loosely here, but meanwhile there's an interesting survey on the consequences of comment trolls: "it appeared that pushing people's emotional buttons, through derogatory comments, made them double down on their preexisting beliefs." The author offers an explanation, "the psychological theory of motivated reasoning," akin to Hume's dictum, but I think the interplay between thoughts and feelings (if they are even distinct things) is a lot more complex than that. That said, I can attest first-hand to the way comment trolls can drain the life out of a discussion, out of a website, out of living itself. Which, of course, if their intent."
The author Downes is referring to is Chris Mooney. His article in Mother Jones observes:
"In the context of the psychological theory of motivated reasoning, this makes a great deal of sense. Based on pretty indisputable observations about how the brain works, the theory notes that people feel first, and think second. The emotions come faster than the "rational" thoughts—and also shape the retrieval of those thoughts from memory. Therefore, if reading insults activates one's emotions, the "thinking" process may be more likely to be defensive in nature, and focused on preserving one's identity and preexisting beliefs."
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/01/you-idiot-course-trolls-comments-make-you-believe-science-less
Have a look at the article and share your thoughts.
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Luis Javier Salvador 30+
Other than that, I think it's important to prevent people from flooding and spamming all around. Nobody should be allowed to take over the forum.
Krisztián Pintér 200+
Luis Javier Salvador 30+
Krisztián Pintér 200+
Luis Javier Salvador 30+
Anyway, outside a forum, it's also easy for me to ignore hurtful comments by random people. Of course, I may answer back for the sake of it, but I would never take it personally. I usually give my reasoned opinion without expecting those bullies to change their minds. But if they do, good for them. Regardless of the result, it's easy for me to move on.
I don't mind hearing different opinions at all, even if they are malicious and insulting. What I don't like is people taking over. I don't want to hear the same opinion over and over again, so I try to avoid such tiring people. Ill-intentioned criticism cannot ruin anything for me.
Krisztián Pintér 200+
i'm kind of sure you also take some things, any things, seriously, and you are probably upset about people deliberately try to ruin those things out of fun.
am i right about it or not? or you continue playing hide and seek?
Luis Javier Salvador 30+
Krisztián Pintér 200+
Luis Javier Salvador 30+
Krisztián Pintér 200+
Luis Javier Salvador 30+
I also came to this thread to read about what others had to say about trolling and I guess many users care more than I do.
I also think that if most people care about trolling, the mods should do something about it, but I personally don't care (except for spamming).
Krisztián Pintér 200+
Luis Javier Salvador 30+