A FINE LINE BETWEEN TROLLING AND CALLING SOMEONE OUT
For trolls, it is easy to feel a sense of moral superiority over infamous figures who have online forums and wikis chronicling their eccentric behaviour. Consequently, with such wide coverage, some trolls may even develop parasocial relationships with their target, believing they know them and can judge their character.
A vicious cycle forms when trolls feel justified in provoking an online figure, and the online figure keeps rising to the bait.
But I believe there is a fine line between trolling and calling out outlandish behaviour that could be criminal or harmful to others. It boils down to intentionality: Calling out someone is driven by the desire to protect them, while trolling is done to hurt and demean the people being targeted.
Internet personalities, no matter how controversial, do not deserve to be treated cruelly. No one does.
In the hyper-connected world we live in, entertainment in the form of pseudo-real-world drama is easily available on social media. Controversy fuels outrage, debates and everything in between, which makes us feel a part of something larger than ourselves.
This discourse is not inherently negative but can be harnessed for good as long as we remember to be kind, respectful, and constructive when engaging with people online.
Dr Jonathan Kuek is a mental health researcher and co-founder of Total Wellness Initiative Singapore, a prevention-oriented health and wellness social enterprise that aims to encourage people to be more proactive with their well-being.