Internet Trolls

By Tim Parker

How to Deal with Internet Trolls (And Why You Shouldn’t Take It Personally)

Trolling has become an unfortunate part of modern digital life. It’s no longer confined to obscure forums or the darker corners of the internet — it’s found its way into classrooms, workplaces, and even the comment sections of local news articles. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity, the smartest response might be the simplest one: don’t engage.

Internet trolls thrive on reaction. Their goal isn’t to engage in meaningful conversation or debate — it’s to provoke, unsettle, and stir chaos. Whether their motivation stems from boredom, jealousy, anger, or unresolved personal issues, the end result is usually the same: disruption. But it doesn’t have to be yours.

Psychologist Dr. Andrea Bonior, author of Detox Your Thoughts, explains, “Trolling behavior often stems from a desire to feel power or control, particularly when the person doesn’t feel that in their offline life. When you ignore a troll, you remove the reward. That lack of reaction is often the best way to make the behavior stop.”

It’s a tactic that even public figures rely on. Singer Billie Eilish, who has faced her share of online criticism and trolling, told Vogue in a 2023 interview: “The more I responded to hate, the more I felt like I was giving it power. Now, I just scroll past it. I’d rather protect my peace than win an argument with a stranger.”

That mindset resonates far beyond celebrity culture. Even Tuningfork Magazine — no stranger to bold opinions and heated debates — has experienced coordinated trolling campaigns in response to controversial articles. Instead of fighting back, we made a conscious decision to ignore the attacks entirely. The result? The trolls eventually lose interest and move on.

The temptation to respond is understandable. Trolling can feel personal, and it often targets deeply emotional subjects. But it's important to remember that it rarely has anything to do with you. The troll doesn’t know you. What they’re doing says more about them than it ever will about you.

The best course of action? Don’t respond. Don’t quote-tweet. Don’t screenshot and share. Silence is your strongest shield. It’s not a sign of weakness — it’s a choice to not play their game.

Because at the end of the day, peace of mind is more valuable than proving a point.

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