Our current unit is about online trolls and cyber bullying. When I think of a troll, I think of a Troll Doll, you know the ones with rainbow colored hair, that sticks straight up. It sad to think this, but an internet troll is probably more common than a Troll Doll. Some apps like Yik Yak and Tumblr have the options to post things anonymously. Especially on Tumblr, people post things they wouldn’t want to share on Facebook or Instagram. The mixture of people sharing personal things and being vulnerable and having the option to comment anonymously is a recipe for trouble. Women, people that speak their mind, or anyone that is slightly different are easy targets for trolling. In the past, it’s always been the kids that are “different” or “unique” are targets for bullying at school. Nothing about that has changed, other than the bullies have a new way to harass people via the internet. The hurtful things said over the internet, would never be said to someone’s face. There is a difference between typing things and sending them electronically, than saying them in person and watching someone’s reaction. Trolls use the computer screen as a mask.
When social media, like twitter, is used to troll someone the situation escalates. If something is said about someone on twitter, people can favorite or retweet it, which just adds fuel to the fire. Just imagine someone saying something negative about you on twitter then seeing dozens of your classmates favoriting and retweeting it. It’s easy to say “just block them” or “take a break from social media” but blocking them doesn't change the fact that someone said horrible things about you on a public platform. The horrible things said over social media will scar people forever. Why should someone give up their social media because others are using their profiles in harmful ways? The idea that someone would but so much time and effort or any effort at all into intentionally hurting someone over the internet is so uncivil. The people who recreationally abuse others on the internet should refocus their energy into something productive. The internet is such a useful tool, it's saddening that it’s being used for so much evil. Cyberbullying is on the rise and there doesn't seem to be any end insight. So, in the meantime all we can do is stick up for those who attacked by trolls and try to use the internet for good. Be kind to each other. 
Hi Marissa! I feel as if us girls or women seem to do the most damage to each other and honestly it saddens me because I feel as if we need to show each other more respect. If we can't have each others back then we're just fools. I completely agree with what you had to say about Twitter and all the social media drama that goes on. It is so easy for someone to just block them but words can stay with you forever and damage your self esteem. I loved your post, have a great night!
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