Taking The Fight To Trolls

Claire Crompton talks trolling, freedom of speech and why it’s time for platforms to clear spaces so people are safe from harassment

- ​​​​​​​Claire Crompton

The internet has made our lives better in countless ways. We’re able to find and connect with groups of people who share our interests even if they are thousands of miles away. The internet can be a tremendous source of mental and emotional strength and there are corners of social media that can be incredibly supportive. A safe space for like-minded people to share their thoughts and feelings.

But in amongst all of these positives lies a dark side to the internet and social media. A place that can fuel anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. A place where playground bullies creep out of the cracks to start fires, hurl abuse and entertain themselves at the expense of others, armed with a keyboard and shielded from identification by the glow of their screen. And it’s having a devastating impact.

According to the mental health charity Mind, one in four people will experience mental health problems each year (https://netm.ag/2KZQDhf). Not only that, but there has been a recent increase in the number of teenagers being admitted to hospital for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, with a reported link to the cyberbullying increase (https://www.comparitech.com/internet-providers/ cyberbullying-statistics/).

Although many say the relationship still cannot be fully proven, the correlation between the two can no longer be denied. And to me those statistics speak volumes: the internet is not a safe place.

DON’T FEED THE TROLLS

Unless you’ve been living under a bridge, you’ve more than likely come across the term ‘troll’. And no, it’s not the arch-enemy of three billy goats.