Using the word Troll

[Stranger of Sorts]

So Trolls... we don't like them do we, the people who go on forums and comments sections just to piss people off or to get a reaction. Many of us wonder why people do this and how do they bring themselves to do it. The term 'Troll' then is a very serious accusation.

Where am I going with this?

I've heard this term thrown around here and there, whether or not the person is really 'trolling'. Many times I think that some of the the so called 'trolls' are just expressing a contradictory opinion and surely on the internet that is a good thing as it creates discussion and people should get used to the fact that people will disagree with them.

So do you think people are labelled as trolls too easily? Is it a word just to get people who are not agreeing with you to shut up? Or is everything fine as it is?

Personally I think that the rush to label people as trolls only limits discussion as people are scared of expressing certain opinions in case they are called a troll and everyone turns on the,

I acknowledge that Trolls do exist so don't bash me for that (although I think giving them a name was a mistake, the term 'asshole' did fine until people started calling them trolls).

 

[Jolly Madness]

Well, some people might just be stupid or they just have "extremist" points of view, they're quite like the trolls, though they don't do it for the giggles. But we don't see the difference, so it's much easier to just label them all trolls.

 

[Outright Villainy]

The problem is often, someone can have such an outrageous opinion that it's very easy to mistake as troll bait. At the same time, I do find it very annoying when it becomes the standard defense for people to say to something they just don't like. Problem with labels is people clamour to fit everyone under some label or another...

 

[DuplicateValue]

I only use the term "troll" in very obvious cases.
For example, if the post is something along the lines of "MW" sux ass!", "PS3 is better than the shitty 360", or just pointless spamming ("cake cake cake cake...").

 

[Xskills]

I find the term most applicable to those who only bring ignorance and outdated bigotry to a constructive conversation/argument. I came up with this definition ever since I visited their Mecca.

 

[SnootyEnglishman]

I generally force myself not to call someone a troll unless it's just that obvious like Duplicate said and pointed out

 

[maddawg IAJI]

I was once called a troll because I called Micheal Jacksons and his songs Mediocre. So I gotta say that the title of troll is tossed around far too much. It may just be because people don't like meeting someone who's opinon differs from their's.