top of page
WHAT IS A TROLL?
There are 3 distinct characteristics that fit all the definitions that I’ve heard and are useful:
1) They say stuff to get a reaction out of others, or “to get a rise out of them”
2)Trolls don’t take anything seriously, “they’re only in it for the Lulz” (lol plural)
3) They’re thought to be invincible, “you can never win against a Troll”
From there, there are two distinct types of Trolls, Dark Trolls, which are by far the most prevalent, and Light Trolls which are in frighteningly short supply. While the above description fits both types, it is applied in dramatically different ways...
1) THEY WANT TO GET A ‘RISE’ OUT OF YOU:
Dark Trolls say puzzling things JUST to get a rise out of you, or confuse and upset you. Whatever discussion they are engaging in, they are only involved with it insofar as it enables them to find out where your buttons are so they can press them. However Light Trolls say puzzling things to REALLY get a rise out of you, to get you questioning your prior assumptions, and to elevate you in some way. While they will still say things that sound puzzling at first, they only feel they succeed if you solve the puzzle.
2) THEY ARE IN IT FOR THE ‘LULZ’:
Dark Trolls are only in it for their own Lulz, that’s why they’re willing to say whatever it takes to get you confused, so they can get one up on you, and laugh AT you. For Dark Trolls, there is no need for others to get the joke, however an entourage WILL encourage them. Light Trolls on the other hand see the lulz as an indicator the puzzle has been solved. They know that the best way to get someone engaged with a new idea is to find a clever way to get them to laugh about it. In this way, they are still only in it for the Lulz, but Light Trolls are looking to laugh WITH you.
3) YOU CAN NEVER WIN ‘AGAINST’ A TROLL:
“You can never win against a Dark Troll” because of the aforementioned lack of sincerity. This means they were never really in the discussion or debate with you to begin with. They say whatever, and once they’ve had their Lulz, they’ll bail, leaving you confused and upset. However Light Trolls are “invincible” for quite another reason altogether, “you can never win against* a Light Troll” because they won’t let you enter into direct confrontation with them in the first place, even if you make fun of them or call them names, no matter what, the Light Troll will stay the course, not take things seriously or personally, and always aim for common ground, and “as far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with ALL persons”... that is the game of the Light Troll.
bottom of page