If you've spent time in activist spaces, you've met them: those folks who seem to live for starting arguments and stirring up drama. We call them "trolls," and here's the thing—you don't have to play their game.
What Trolls Actually Want
Trolls have one main goal: getting a reaction. They're not trying to have real conversations or learn anything new. They want you fired up, frustrated, and responding. Think of it like this: they're fishing for your attention, and every response is you taking the bait.
Whether they're attention-seekers loving the drama or folks just trying to mess up good conversations, they all win the same way—when you engage with them on their terms.
Why Responding Just Makes It Worse
Every time you respond to a troll, you're giving them exactly what they want. Plus, the algorithms think engagement equals interest, so your responses actually help spread their nonsense to more people. Meanwhile, you're spending energy on arguments instead of actual activism, and your community gets bogged down in drama instead of getting things done.
The Magic of Just... Not
Here's something important: Free speech doesn't mean you have to talk. You get to choose your conversations. Not engaging with troublemakers isn't giving up your rights—it's using them wisely.
When you ignore trolls:
They don't get the attention they're after
Your community stays focused on what matters
You save your energy for work that actually makes a difference
You show others how it's done
Quick Tips
Spot them early. Trolls love inflammatory language, changing the subject, and making everything about arguments instead of solutions.
Trust your gut. If someone seems more interested in fighting than discussing, they probably are.
Use your tools. Mute, block, report—whatever keeps your space peaceful. You don't owe anyone your attention.
Support each other. When someone's being hassled, ignore the troll and reach out to your community member directly.
Stay on mission. Keep bringing conversations back to the issues you care about.
About Those Random People with Cameras
You're an adult—you choose who you talk to. Period. Camera or no camera, no one is entitled to your time or your words.
Real reporters have real credentials. Actual journalists will tell you who they are, where they work, and how to contact them. If someone won't give you basic info, there's no reason to assume they're legit.
When in doubt, walk away. You can always say, "I'm not available to speak right now, but if you give me your contact information I can follow up with you" and keep moving.
The Bottom Line
Your time and energy are precious. Every minute spent arguing with someone who's just trying to rile you up is a minute not spent on actual change-making.
Trolls show up everywhere online, but they don't get to run the show in your space. Keep doing your good work, support your community, and let the troublemakers shout into the void.
Love this, KT! TX so much for posting!
This is great! Trolls are so pathetic.