What is cyber trolling?
Reviewed by Anthon Wansland
Head of Product & Co-Founder
Serus is a privacy company with paid tools to find and remove your personal data. This page is free and based on official sources.
Definition
Cyber trolling is posting provocative, insulting or hostile messages online to upset people or get a reaction. The FTC counts trolling as one form of cyberbullying.
- Category
- Attacks
- Also called
- internet trolling, online trolling, trolling
- Last updated
Sources checked: consumer.ftc.gov
Last verified against the official page:
A troll is someone who posts to provoke. It might be an insult under your video, a string of replies meant to wind you up, or a rumour spread in a group chat. The FTC lists trolling alongside rumours and embarrassing images as ways cyberbullying shows up in text messages, online games and social media.
The point is the reaction. A troll wants you to reply, argue or leave, and a reply gives them more to work with. That is why the FTC's advice is to ignore the person or block them rather than answer.
Trolling vs. cyberbullying vs. doxxing
Trolling is often a one-off or low-level provocation, and the target may be a stranger. Cyberbullying is the wider term: repeated, targeted behaviour aimed at hurting someone. Doxxing is a step further: publishing someone's private details, such as a home address, so others can contact or harass them.
Why it matters for your privacy
Trolls often look for something to use. A real name in an old profile, a photo with a street sign in it, or a username you reuse across sites can all give them a way from your account to your life. The less a stranger can learn about you in ten minutes of searching, the less a troll has to work with.
If it turns into threats, stalking or sharing of your details, it has stopped being trolling. Save the evidence and report it to the platform, and to the police where you feel unsafe.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Don't reply, block
The FTC advises ignoring the person or blocking them from contacting you further. Replying rewards the behaviour.
- 2
Save the evidence first
Take screenshots of messages, usernames and dates before you block or delete anything. You will need them if you report it.
- 3
Report it on the platform
Most apps and platforms have tools to report threatening or inappropriate behaviour. Use them, and tell someone you trust.
- 4
Make your accounts harder to trace
Use a different username for each site, lock down who can see your posts and check what your public profile reveals. Serus finds where your address and phone number are listed and removes them, so a troll has less to find.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Is trolling the same as cyberbullying?
Not exactly. The FTC lists trolling as one way cyberbullying can happen. Cyberbullying is the wider term and usually means targeted, repeated behaviour meant to hurt someone.
Should I reply to a troll?
The FTC's advice is not to. Ignore them or block them, and save any records in case you need to report it.
When should I go to the police?
If someone threatens you, keeps contacting you after being blocked, or shares your private details, keep the records and report it to the platform and to the police.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.