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The term "troll" seems to apply to absolutely anyone and everything people don't like

It seems to justify the idea that it is somehow not just acceptable, but virtuous to dehumanize and dismiss someone for the awful crime of their words not aligning exactly with how you want them to go. A catch all to pretend that people of whom have not actually done anything wrong are still somehow gravely wrong because you just personally don't agree with them or find their actions in some way an ideological threat. Ironically the most "troll-like" behaviour sems to be perpetrated by individuals of whom label their target a "troll". Trolls don't actually exist, it can mean anything you want, it is ridiculously vague and convenient. I could label anyone who disagrees with this post as a "troll", but I won't.

I've never referred to someone as a "troll". I don't refer to ideas as "conspiracy theories" either. If I feel what I say has merit, I don't need to fall back on dismissive labels.

It's incredibly disheartening when moderator teams on other sites do it. Such teams usually accompany it with "no experts" rules, so that no one can challenge their rubbish.
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MissBarbara · 61-69
I don't misuse or overuse the word "troll". A troll is someone who deliberately posts offensive material with the intention of upsetting others. Merely disagreeing with another person is not being a troll, as long as they are civil about it. If they use it as an excuse to act like an ill-mannered lout, then that is borderline trolling. I wouldn't say trolls don't actually exist or that it can mean anything I want. It's not that vague.
Therealsteve · 31-35, M
@MissBarbara I agree with that, however I've seen it used to demonize and silence any criticism. We (understandably) have a tendency to simplify the over complicated world, putting all disagreement into one camp that we "other" and the use of the word "troll" is what people seem to use to put people with genuine disagreements into that camp. I've unfortunately seen the word used heavily by moderators on other sites of whom wish to silence people of whom have not broken rules.
MissBarbara · 61-69
@Therealsteve Some people are so pompous and full of their own opinions that they behave like borderline trolls themselves.
val70 · 51-55
You're right about the use of the term these days. Thank you
Matt85 · 36-40, M
yeah, i imagine like all things, can be weaponized against the wrong people.
GeistInTheMachine · 31-35, M
Fake news.
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Sayana · 22-25, F
Troll....Troll....Troll 🔅

Troll, was a Good movie, I watched 3 times. 😬

 
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