Don't Let Trolls Rule the Internet

When going online one would not immediately think which races of people will I encounter today on the internet? However, this very question may dictate how one experiences the internet and their communication with other people online both negatively and positively. It is by asking yourself these questions that act as a reminder to take caution when exposing your race or gender to the anonymous voices on the internet.

Anonymity on the internet plays a key role in the negative outcomes of disclosing your race to the public. There are people online who will specifically cause arguments and write mean things just to create conversation, or merely just for laughs. These people are known as trolls. They are difficult to evade and even more difficult to get rid of. A person on this question forum asked how one can avoid trolls on the internet when disclosing their race and also asks whether the subject of race attracts internet trolls. Unfortunately, personal subjects such as race attract more possible controversy and thus, draw the attention of trolls across the internet. Does it make it fair that if one wishes to tell the world your race then you must expect hurtful communication on the internet? No. Unfortunately though, this is a common occurrence among those who communicate anonymously on the internet. Anonymity gives these trolls the shield they need to say hurtful things without bearing the consequences. Therefore, those who wish to disclose their race online must prepare to face the hurtful words of the trolls that will be attracted to one's openness.

Furthermore, this article recognizes that revealing your race will attract more arguments among the online community. However, the author feels that this is welcomed as long as the argument isn't stemming from the superficiality of bias due to the race of the poster online. Argument and discussion online is an important part of internet communication. Although, if these arguments are bias and offensive based on one's race then that is unacceptable. The author of this article proposes legal action to those who commit this racial bias. However, it is unrealistic to think implementing a law to prevent this online behaviour would stop such incidences from occurring. The internet is much too large to implement and carry out, effectively, such a law. Regardless, a law like this would infringe on people's rights of free speech. If a threat to someone's safety is made then legal action can be considered, but in any other circumstance one must simply be aware that posting their race or gender online creates the possibility for trolls to surface or racist arguments to occur.

This is why, as an online presence in the 21st century, one must protect themselves and be aware of the consequences of revealing personal information online. Due to anonymity, there are far more fearless people out there with prominent negative voices and lack of regard for others. As a result, one must prepare for the worst reactions when making public any personal information including race or gender.