Trolling: meaning, definitions and examples

Trolling involves making provocative or off-topic comments online with the intent of provoking an emotional reaction or disrupting conversation. It's often used in a light-hearted or mischievous manner, though it can also be harmful.

• Ignoring trolls can often be the best way to deal with their disruptive comments.
• She accused him of trolling when he left several sarcastic comments on her post.

Cyberbullying is the use of digital technology to deliberately harm or harass someone. This term is used when the actions are repetitive and specifically targeted towards an individual, often with malicious intent.

• He reported the case of cyberbullying to the school after receiving threatening messages from a classmate.
• Cyberbullying can have serious emotional and psychological effects on victims.

Harassment refers to aggressive pressure or intimidation, and it can occur both online and offline. It implies persistent and unwanted behavior that is often threatening or offensive.

• She filed a complaint against her coworker for harassment after receiving inappropriate emails.
• Online harassment can take many forms, including sending offensive messages or stalking someone's social media profiles.

Provocation involves actions or comments intended to elicit a strong emotional response or reaction from someone. It doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation, but it often does.

• His constant provocation during the debate made it difficult for her to remain calm.
• The artist's work is known for its political provocation and commentary.

This term is used when someone deliberately posts inflammatory, derogatory, or off-topic messages in an online community with the intent to provoke an emotional response or disrupt conversations.

• He's always trolling in the comments section, trying to get people angry.
• Her trolling on the forum caused a huge argument among the members.

This term is used to describe the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. It is a serious issue, especially among teens.

• She reported the cyberbullying to her school after receiving threatening messages online.
• Cyberbullying can have very harmful effects on a person's mental health.

This term is used when someone persistently annoys or creates discomfort for another person. It can happen both online and offline, and often has strong legal connotations.

• He was accused of harassing his coworkers with unwanted emails.
• Her ex-boyfriend kept harassing her with phone calls after they broke up.

This term is used when someone deliberately acts in a way that is intended to elicit a strong emotional reaction from another person. It can be done both playfully and maliciously.

• She kept provoking him by teasing him about his favorite sports team.
• His constant taunts were meant to provoke a fight.