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Comment by bm3719 | Hacker News Reader

Interesting how, until around 5 or so years ago, the definition of the word "troll" was someone who deliberately posted content to get a reaction out of others.

Now it mainly refers to people that say mean things or have different opinions than you do.

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how the turn tables

Yes... we don't want to expose ourselves to different opinions. It feels bad. Feeling bad is too much to handle.

I'm very much of the opinion that if you have something to say, you should say it. And if you are debating someone, you should let them have their say. However, there is a difference between being exposed to differing opinions and having someone attack you online. My time and attention are valuable. If I choose not to have trolls on my social media feeds, that is my prerogative. This becomes an even bigger problem when someone crosses the line from being a jerk to being abusive and/or threatening. I don't often experience that, but others do. Making the choice to block trolls isn't a lack of tenacity, it's an active choice to filter out things that take away your time or energy. Yes, you may fall into the trap of creating an echo chamber (which can be doubly bad if people filter out all criticism), but that's on you to take notice of.

Good point, while I find this tool pretty laughable, I would strongly prefer this approach to a top-down approach on each and every platform, protecting us delicate users from the wild animals of the internet. If people wish to stop up their ears, I say let them!

You don't have a right to make someone read your opinion.

No, you don't. But it comes with the cost of increased polarization.

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