5 Ways to handle Internet trolls

For many famous people, their online communication channel is made up not only of fans but also of Internet trolls also described as ‘haters’ .
 

With the digital age has come even more exposure of the private lives of celebrities and the constant obsession of their lives behind the scenes. Thanks to the new age of social media and instant messaging, critics and observers are now everywhere.

For many famous people, their online communication channel is made up not only of fans but also of Internet trolls also known as ‘haters’ to several celebs. Comments from these cyber bullies are usually not critiques of the work of the celeb but rather off-topic commentary deliberately intended to hurt them and disrupt the conversation on their timeline.

In an article titled “Do people have a right to bash celebrities?”, Pulse Nigeria Celebrity reporter, Ayomide Tayo points out that in bringing celebrities closer to their fans, social media has made them targets of abuse.

“Even though they are celebrities, stars are also human beings too and they feel the bite of harsh words thrown at them. Celebrity bashing is not cool because it affects the mind state and mental health of whoever is being ridiculed or unnecessarily criticized.”

Caroline Danjuma

Movie producer and actress Caroline Danjuma is a victim of social media trolls. The ‘Stalker’ producer deleted her Instagram account on Wednesday, April 7. Following a story of her husband’s alleged infidelity by blogger Stella Dimokokorkus, the couple’s marriage was criticised by trolls who published hateful comments on her Instagram posts. The actress revealed that some people went as far as tagging her in pictures and sending her pictures of her husband via direct messages.

Danjuma’s case is one of many. "Wives On Strike" actress Uche Jombo was also a victim a fat-shaming trolls.

Pulse Nigeria offers some tips on how to handle celebrity bashing.

Don’t take it personal

Internet trolls hide behind the curtain of social media which makes them anonymous. Truth is you probably would never know who thess people are in RL (real life), so you don’t know where their anger or hate stems from. Ignore them.

play A screenshot of Uche Jombo's Twitter diss
(Stella Dimokokorkus/Twitter )

Screenshot of Uche Jombo's clap back
(Twitter )

Hire a social media manager

“If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.” In this era of entertainment it's important to have a presence not just on screen and on the ground but also on various social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

As a celeb, with every social media update comes appreciation for your art, debates as well as positive and negative remarks. It might be important for your brand to be have an online presence but if you can’t handle the commentary, rather than delete your account, you can hire a social media manager to take care of your accounts and also delete negative commentary.

Don’t read the comments

So you can’t hire a social media manager - your solution is simple. You can continue publishing posts yourself but whatever you do, don’t read the comments. I don’t imagine Beyonce or even Michelle Obama taking time out to read what a ‘ hater’ said about them on social media.

Don’t feed the ‘haters’

No matter how provoked or upset you are, do not reply or get into an argument with them. How many trolls do you want to respond to? You respond to the first, the second, the third - now they know you won’t tolerate the harassment but does that stop them from disrupting your timeline? NO.

Actress Toyin Aimakhu recently lashed out at an fan who criticized her for leaving her husband.

Conversation between Toyin Aimakhu and a fan
(That1960chick)

The troll was abusive and the actress responded in kind. The reason it’s advised you don’t respond is so you don’t end up using words that are just as abusive as the culprit.

Use the report button

Thankfully, the popular social media platforms give you the opportunity to block bullies and report abusive posts.

Social media apps
(Pixel Kult)

On Facebook when you block someone they will no longer be able to see your posts or have conversations with you. You can also use the report link to call the platforms attention to abusive posts. Same on Twitter once you block an account on the instant blogging platform, that user will no longer be able to follow you or send you direct messages. You can also report individual tweets. On Instagram you can also block and report people.