Trolling is Bullying

Bullying is appalling and unacceptable. Whether it happens at school, at home, at work or via screens on social networks, it can have terrible effects on people.

Trolling, a relatively new term, is bullying through the internet.

A troll is a person who spreads discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people, by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community with the intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.

Who is a Troller?

Research shows that trolls are Narcissistic, Machiavellian, psychopathic, and sadistic. 
Trolls only engage in repeated behavior if it pays off for them. They crave attention and recognition, even if negative. If they feel that they have the power to disrupt, to sabotage groups, to break social protocol, they will continue menacing otherwise they will move to the next prey.

Identifying a troll

Fortunately, it’s easy to spot an Internet troll from a distance. They have their own sets of socially unacceptable behaviors.
Trolls generally use provocative and confrontational language. A clever one will mix it up with relevant and friendly posts.
Trolls hardly ever stick to the topic; they beat around the bush with the intention to confuse the reader.
Trolls of the subtle variety flag off their attack with innocent questions. You will often find them dressed up as new members of forums and chat rooms.
Trolls lack understanding of a topic. They will not respond with a proper answer to a proper question.

How to deal with a Troll

Don't feed the trolls. Trolling is one of those rare problems best handled by ignoring it; if you do, it usually goes away. Trolls want your attention and discomfort; they feed on your impotent rage. If they're trying to be funny, your willingness to rise to the bait provides the punch line. If you don't, there's no joke. The secret to withholding attention is consistency: never respond. That way, the trolls can't even be sure you've read their abuse.
Unmask your troll. Trolls thrive on anonymity, but they're not, in my experience, too careful about guarding it. A little digging will usually turn up something that makes their bile seem beside the point. 
Trolling is unwelcome on most moderated sites, bullying is a violation of Facebook policy and Twitter who have rules against making threats. Ignore the trolls, but don't just ignore them. Click those Report Abuse buttons.
You don't have to provide a platform. If you host your own website with a forum or comments section, easy: delete offensive or abusive material.

"A troll is a bully that spreads and promotes hate and is troubled; they do it because they are insecure and need recognition." -  Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld

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