Trolling isn’t the same thing as debating. But we feel like we have to honor the troll’s arguments as valid. But we don’t.
Trolling isn’t debating. Though it is often disguised as an argument.
In a debate, two parties martial their best arguments in an attempt to “win” a dispute. Usually this requires both logic and emotional persuasion. This means the rules and form of debate are clear and seemingly objective.
And these rules and forms match the target of persuasion. Sometimes, we debate to persuade the other person to see it our way. Other times, we debate so observers may be persuaded to side with us.
The core of debate, however, is the inherent honesty of the exchange. An honesty built by unwritten rules. Rules like:
Both parties may speak and equally.
Facts and logic are required to make credible arguments.
The debate should lead us to greater understanding.
Winning a debate often settles a simple, but directive question: which is better?
Trolling undermines the fundamental structure of debate.
These unwritten rules provide clarity and guidance for all people involved. They help us understand what makes a good argument and what doesn’t; what we’re aiming to accomplish and what’s just a waste of time.
Trolling is about breaking those rules to win another way. It doesn’t matter which argument is better, the troll’s goal is to win regardless.
Sometimes we detect trolling easily. But not always.
It took me twenty years to realize that some of the debates I had with friends in college weren’t debates. Of course, I was debating. I was martialing my best arguments based on logic and persuasion. It was my friend who moved the goalposts or undermined my self-esteem to win.
That’s the thing about trolling: it doesn’t just seem like a valid argument. Even when they violate the terms of the debate, we feel obligated to maintain them. And of course we do!
But that isn’t debate.
Imagine being in a race in which your opponent is able to take short cuts. The whole idea of “winning” flies out the window.
In most races, referees and fans wouldn’t let it happen. There are gatekeepers that prevent participants from breaking the rules.
But in most debates that we engage in, we don’t have gatekeepers with that authority. It’s like amateur tennis: we have to call our own lines.
Honestly, I can’t tell you how you personally can best deal with a troll, let alone “win” a debate with one. But something we all need clarity on is the simple fact that at its most basic, trolling isn’t debating. And we should stop treating it like it is.