![alt text](https://s32.postimg.org/qpzr5cdl1/troll.jpg)

## On every social media platform, there will come a time when someone will disagree with you or your personal beliefs. You might even encounter someone who hates what you represent. 

This is unavoidable and might initially occur more so on platforms that encourage free, uncensored expression. Freedom is a wonderful thing to have, but online freedom often leads to vulnerable people being abused or exploited. 

### Steemit has a different and more robust way of subtly discouraging troll behavior and is entirely unique in its approach and effectiveness. Instead of relying on centralized control measures and moderators, everything that happens in Steemit is tied to an economic reward system.

By tying an economic incentive to your identity in Steemit, and by having all interactions recorded in the blockchain, individuals who needlessly attack others are not economically rewarded for their behavior.

# It goes pretty much like this: if you attack people and you generally don’t add much value to the community, you won’t be getting much in the form of economic, influential or social rewards. 

Conversely, the more helpful, trusted or entertaining, etc., you become to people on Steemit, the more economic and social rewards you’ll receive. There really has never been anything like Steemit before on the internet. There are other dynamics at play, but for our purposes, let’s get back to the topic of trolls.

By using these guidelines, you will have a working toolbox that can help you be more successful and at ease to speak your mind freely. I stand by it because I have used these methods myself and they work. I’m extremely optimistic that freedom, economic success and diversity can co-exist on Steemit as well as in other online communities. There will be growing pains, though.

# HOW TO RECOGNIZE A TROLL

Trolls use confrontational language to attack people and ideas for the purpose of gaining attention.

Trolls do not add constructive or useful information to a topic.

Trolls use a variety of strategies to incite anger in someone. They usually ask innocent questions to begin with, but then quickly follow up with something designed to hurt or provoke.

Trolls are generally suffering on some level or another and they seek to disrupt others for their personal gain or agenda.

They feed on others and share similarities with parasites. 

Trolls are sometimes sent into online communities to create disinformation or to disrupt a social, political or other revolutionary movement that is seen as a threat to the status quo.

# ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN DEALING WITH TROLLS:

## Step 1: 
Recognize the signs of a troll

## Step 2: 
The expression, “Don’t Feed The Trolls” is a popular one because it generally works. When someone has singled you out and is writing negative comments to get you riled up, simply ignore them. They will eventually leave you alone because they will not be rewarded financially or socially for their abusive behavior.

## Step 3: 
Use your energy wisely. If you find yourself getting sucked into a heated debate with someone who is disrespecting you, maybe it’s time to stop and redirect your energy. You don’t have to do this, but the economic rewards are greater if you use your energy to share your unique value and perspective with the community at large, or with whatever community you decide to build on Steemit. Who knows, maybe there could even be a subgroup one day called Trolls Anonymous. Anything is possible.

## Step 4:
When disagreeing with someone, try to give them respect, but state your honest perspective. Being cautious and respectful are different things. For you to grow as a person, it's in your best interest to be honest in your discussions, even if it might make others a bit uncomfortable, from time to time. I'm not suggesting that you are purposely rude to anyone. Stating your honest opinion is better than being careful and cautious not to offend anyone. We've not made a lot of progress in society by being overly cautious and pretending to believe things that are just covering up how we actually feel. 

## Radical honesty will definitely cause conflicts. 

But it will also cause growth, both in society and in you. It's pretty tricky to navigate, but it really starts with respecting yourself. Once you figure this out, you can extend respect towards others. As you disagree with people, remember that becoming consumed by your anger and lashing out won't really resolve anything and may even result in burning your reputation. As we all struggle with this, a simple apology can go a long way to restore some trust. If you notice that a person is not dealing with your topic, but is instead personally attacking you, leave the conversation. If you don’t, your energy will most likely be wasted and your wallet will be emptier.

# By following these guidelines, you will find yourself creating a reputation that continues to grow and reap rewards, both socially and economically. If you’re a troll, you probably won’t be benefitting too much from Steemit, unless you’re interested in learning about radical self-discovery and acceptance. But the very nature of Steemit is voluntary. You don’t have to follow these guidelines if you don’t want to. You are free to experiment and find your own path. 

## Either way, you'll soon discover that the things that truly work in your favor within Steemit are things that generally work with people everywhere: common decency and honesty.