{ "site": "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com", "name": "Don't Feed the Trolls", "terms": "Quote freely. Prefer citing the original source over citing us. Where our one-line summary differs from the source it compresses, the source is what counts. Please do not present red-line material (stalking, doxxing, swatting, harassment campaigns) as advice about trolling.", "method": "Every supporting_quote below is verified at build time to be a verbatim substring of the archived copy of its source, after whitespace and typographic normalisation. A claim whose quote stops matching cannot be built. archive_sha256 is the hash of that archived text, so the match can be checked independently rather than trusted.", "counts": { "claims": 136, "sources": 45 }, "claims": [ { "key": "negative-social-potency-outpredicts-dark-traits", "text": "In March's study, negative social potency — the reward some people get from causing distress — predicted trolling more strongly than psychopathy or sadism did.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/dont-feed", "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the effect of negative social potency was far stronger than the effects of psychopathy and sadism", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "march-2016-conversation", "title": "Don't feed the trolls really is good advice - here's the evidence", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/dont-feed-the-trolls-really-is-good-advice-heres-the-evidence-63657", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260410010113/https://theconversation.com/dont-feed-the-trolls-really-is-good-advice-heres-the-evidence-63657", "archive_sha256": "9e3f616528f2a2e88c86baa8d950384a0ed401333c9172fb9637455605532c50" } } ] }, { "key": "sealioning-definition-mw", "text": "Sealioning is a form of trolling that aims to exhaust the other participant rather than to conduct a real discussion.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sealioning" ], "support": [ { "quote": "is a form of trolling meant to exhaust the other debate participant with no intention of real discourse", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "merriam-webster-sealioning", "title": "What is 'Sealioning'?", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/sealioning-internet-trolling", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260523143934/https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/sealioning-internet-trolling", "archive_sha256": "4db5d7d2d0a3c3c8c599ba5e6535ad25f4b26b27a4bdea92b68f6d1926658864" } } ] }, { "key": "femicide-victims-had-been-stalked", "text": "Most victims of intimate-partner femicide had been stalked beforehand: 76% of femicide victims and 85% of attempted-femicide victims.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/stalking" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the prevalence of stalking was 76% for femicide victims and 85% for attempted femicide victims", "locator": "abstract", "source": { "key": "mcfarlane-1999-femicide", "title": "Stalking and Intimate Partner Femicide", "publisher": "Homicide Studies", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1088767999003004003", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260525162555/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1088767999003004003", "archive_sha256": "e9e90904bf07a928b5a5e976052a715e49c737cc3bae5dff6e4700bab11e7cef" } } ] }, { "key": "ons-42pc-online-methods", "text": "In the year to March 2024, 42% of stalking victims in England and Wales said the stalking had involved online methods.", "evidence_grade": "well_replicated", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/stalking" ], "support": [ { "quote": "approximately 635,000 (42%) victims reported that the stalking had involved online methods", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "ons-stalking-2024", "title": "I feel like I am living someone else's life: one in seven people a victim of stalking", "publisher": "Office for National Statistics", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/ifeellikeiamlivingsomeoneelseslifeoneinsevenpeopleavictimofstalking/2024-09-26", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260619145142/https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/ifeellikeiamlivingsomeoneelseslifeoneinsevenpeopleavictimofstalking/2024-09-26", "archive_sha256": "d4ab21b9a5177b022b1e95a23a7f3b7166c1434f37b18f2b4ac64d894d1ad88c" } } ] }, { "key": "uk-999-immediate-danger", "text": "UK government guidance is to call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger, and local police otherwise.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/doxxing", "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/stalking", "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/swatting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. contact your local police if it's not an emergency", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "gov-uk-report-stalker", "title": "Report a stalker", "publisher": "GOV.UK", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/report-stalker", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260329133111/https://www.gov.uk/report-stalker", "archive_sha256": "d59285305ee6573bf3d4a701d43849c0806b219045076c5536e9208a8f397f53" } } ] }, { "key": "national-stalking-helpline-hours", "text": "The National Stalking Helpline is 0808 802 0300, open Monday and Wednesday 9:30am-8pm and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30am-4pm.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/stalking" ], "support": [ { "quote": "national stalking helpline telephone: 0808 802 0300 monday and wednesday, 9:30am to 8pm tuesday, thursday and friday, 9:30am to 4pm", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "gov-uk-report-stalker", "title": "Report a stalker", "publisher": "GOV.UK", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/report-stalker", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260329133111/https://www.gov.uk/report-stalker", "archive_sha256": "d59285305ee6573bf3d4a701d43849c0806b219045076c5536e9208a8f397f53" } } ] }, { "key": "doxxing-definition-mw", "text": "To dox someone is to publicly identify them or publish their private information, typically as punishment or revenge.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/doxxing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "to publicly identify or publish private information about (someone) especially as a form of punishment or revenge", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-doxxing", "title": "Doxxing (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doxxing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260306052327/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doxxing", "archive_sha256": "44eaa9fe9299653f9dfdc466eafd0ce07389bd0c0292b10ca0fe8dd90f3b452d" } } ] }, { "key": "cps-course-of-conduct", "text": "Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 a 'course of conduct' means conduct on at least two occasions, and harassment is not exhaustively defined but includes conduct causing alarm or distress.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/harassment-campaigns" ], "support": [ { "quote": "harassment is not defined but includes conduct causing alarm or distress", "locator": "A course of conduct", "source": { "key": "cps-stalking-harassment", "title": "Stalking and Harassment", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230322170226/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_sha256": "bb8a1ff92b2a9049746831813c0a186c20caa8522ee85550413ff27233307264" } }, { "quote": "Protection from Harassment Act 1997", "locator": "criminal legislation", "source": { "key": "cps-stalking-harassment", "title": "Stalking and Harassment", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230322170226/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_sha256": "bb8a1ff92b2a9049746831813c0a186c20caa8522ee85550413ff27233307264" } }, { "quote": "section 7 defines a course of conduct as being on at least two occasions", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cps-stalking-harassment", "title": "Stalking and Harassment", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230322170226/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_sha256": "bb8a1ff92b2a9049746831813c0a186c20caa8522ee85550413ff27233307264" } } ] }, { "key": "cps-two-or-more-persons", "text": "Where a campaign targets two or more people, CPS guidance says a course of conduct means conduct on at least one occasion in relation to each person.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/harassment-campaigns" ], "support": [ { "quote": "in relation to the harassment of two or more persons, it means conduct on at least one occasion in relation to each person", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cps-stalking-harassment", "title": "Stalking and Harassment", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230322170226/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_sha256": "bb8a1ff92b2a9049746831813c0a186c20caa8522ee85550413ff27233307264" } } ] }, { "key": "gaslighting-definition-mw", "text": "Gaslighting is psychological manipulation, usually sustained over time, that leads someone to question their own perception, memory or judgement.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/conversational-gaslighting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-gaslighting", "title": "Gaslighting (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaslighting", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260719100747/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaslighting", "archive_sha256": "0fbb65fc17c9400df255382b80a960197e4ada51e7b8bd12190f95b4807bf9db" } } ] }, { "key": "whataboutism-definition-mw", "text": "Whataboutism is responding to an accusation by claiming someone else's offence is similar or worse, rather than answering the accusation.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/whataboutism" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the act or practice of responding to an accusation of wrongdoing by claiming that an offense committed by another is similar or worse", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-whataboutism", "title": "Whataboutism (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whataboutism", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260722155319/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whataboutism", "archive_sha256": "6e758e7aec81a2000014b67a2d2fbe2980c5304762308866459a0c5578e120cd" } } ] }, { "key": "sockpuppet-definition-mw", "text": "A sock puppet is a false online identity used for deceptive purposes.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sockpuppetry" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a false online identity used for deceptive purposes", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-sock-puppet", "title": "Sock puppet (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sock%20puppet", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260312222959/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sock%20puppet", "archive_sha256": "73c56a508b8321c1dd5029113727306b8e47191e88e18a4582985821972040a7" } } ] }, { "key": "cheng-mood-and-exposure-double", "text": "In an experiment plus a large longitudinal analysis, negative mood and exposure to prior troll posts each raised the probability of a user trolling, and together doubled it.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "both negative mood and seeing troll posts by others significantly increases the probability of a user trolling, and together double this probability", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cheng-2017-anyone-troll", "title": "Anyone Can Become a Troll: Causes of Trolling Behavior in Online Discussions", "publisher": "CSCW 2017", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250124015644/https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_sha256": "629bee5ae98971453d7fd4a4fa4665e3da9f344ad2371c92122aec8df3706a52" } } ] }, { "key": "negative-social-potency-motivates-trolling", "text": "Negative social potency is the reward some people feel from creating social discord, which the researcher identifies as what motivates trolling.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/dont-feed", "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "these are the rewarding feelings that some people experience when creating social discord", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "march-2016-conversation", "title": "Don't feed the trolls really is good advice - here's the evidence", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/dont-feed-the-trolls-really-is-good-advice-heres-the-evidence-63657", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260410010113/https://theconversation.com/dont-feed-the-trolls-really-is-good-advice-heres-the-evidence-63657", "archive_sha256": "9e3f616528f2a2e88c86baa8d950384a0ed401333c9172fb9637455605532c50" } } ] }, { "key": "sealioning-origin-wondermark", "text": "The term is traced to a Wondermark webcomic by David Malki, in a strip called 'The Terrible Sea Lion'.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sealioning" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the origin of the term sealioning is traced to a webcomic called wondermark by david malki", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "merriam-webster-sealioning", "title": "What is 'Sealioning'?", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/sealioning-internet-trolling", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260523143934/https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/sealioning-internet-trolling", "archive_sha256": "4db5d7d2d0a3c3c8c599ba5e6535ad25f4b26b27a4bdea92b68f6d1926658864" } } ] }, { "key": "sealioning-politeness-is-the-weapon", "text": "In the comic the sea lion answers refusals by objecting to the other party's tone and restating its request politely.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sealioning" ], "support": [ { "quote": "there's no need to raise your voice. i'm right here. i'm just curious if you have any sources to back up your opinion", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "wondermark-terrible-sea-lion", "title": "The Terrible Sea Lion", "publisher": "Wondermark", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://wondermark.com/c/1062/", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260725233927/https://wondermark.com/c/1062/", "archive_sha256": "3efa7c1f51f67f956fa430a30aad6b1c927c36ebfacf3bd3fd517f3814ff30e2" } } ] }, { "key": "astroturfing-definition-mw", "text": "Astroturfing is organised activity designed to look like a spontaneous grassroots movement while actually being initiated and controlled by a concealed group.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/astroturfing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "organized activity that is intended to create a false impression of a widespread, spontaneously arising, grassroots movement in support of or in opposition to something (such as a political policy) but that is in reality initiated and controlled by a concealed group or organization", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-astroturfing", "title": "Astroturfing (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260509220252/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing", "archive_sha256": "8c283aab4b061b3cab54e7b464c28fbdca829e22222cacf4c6b874372323106b" } } ] }, { "key": "darvo-definition-freyd", "text": "DARVO names a reaction perpetrators of wrongdoing, particularly sexual offenders, may show when held accountable; it stands for Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/darvo" ], "support": [ { "quote": "darvo refers to a reaction perpetrators of wrong doing, particularly sexual offenders, may display in response to being held accountable for their behavior. darvo stands for \"deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender.\"", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "freyd-darvo", "title": "What is DARVO?", "publisher": "University of Oregon", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260718075836/https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_sha256": "352ea06f72d6659a635b8c66f40b551c5cf51d38e41962971727bbbb36a3f489" } } ] }, { "key": "ad-hominem-definition-mw", "text": "An ad hominem argument attacks an opponent's character instead of answering what they actually argued.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/ad-hominem-baiting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "marked by or being an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the contentions made", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b03-mw-ad-hominem", "title": "ad hominem", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20hominem", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260715232801/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20hominem", "archive_sha256": "5c3eef7cdd8c2269775439ccc1ab08c5e188e873153283cb54e5c3b91369389e" } } ] }, { "key": "dogpile-definition-mw", "text": "A dogpile, in the figurative sense, is a barrage of criticism or insults directed at someone by many people.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/dogpiling" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a barrage of criticism, insults, etc. directed at someone or something by many people", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b08-mw-dogpile", "title": "dogpile", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dogpile", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260417075251/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dogpile", "archive_sha256": "18c049327a4150a228680e64b1c7fb831eb36f8bc55e7ff969d46e0c7418de73" } } ] }, { "key": "strawman-definition-mw", "text": "A straw man is a weak or imaginary opposing argument set up only so that it can be easily knocked down.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/strawmanning" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a weak or imaginary opposition (such as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b04-mw-straw-man", "title": "straw man", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20man", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260724072056/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20man", "archive_sha256": "7f5e6b9d92c412abff975458aad473edb9968f6594b826ff9c59de8847093bfc" } } ] }, { "key": "shitpost-definition-mw", "text": "To shitpost is to post something online that is deliberately absurd, provocative or offensive.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/shitposting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "to post something online (such as a comment, video, or meme) that is deliberately absurd, provocative, or offensive", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b01-mw-shitpost", "title": "shitpost — Merriam-Webster Dictionary", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shitpost", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260526123705/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shitpost", "archive_sha256": "c2aebd50fd21ecf15facf8fecff12de096370315237599bd20e6fc5cfc0d753d" } } ] }, { "key": "shackel-doctrine-not-fallacy", "text": "Shackel distinguishes the motte-and-bailey doctrine from a fallacious exploitation of it, arguing the two are worth telling apart.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/motte-and-bailey" ], "support": [ { "quote": "i think it is clearly worth distinguishing the motte and bailey doctrine from a particular fallacious exploitation of it", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b06-shackel-motte-and-bailey", "title": "Motte and Bailey Doctrines", "publisher": "Practical Ethics, University of Oxford", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2014/09/motte-and-bailey-doctrines/", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260622094155/https://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2014/09/motte-and-bailey-doctrines/", "archive_sha256": "43b822a80d999f95372303ffac8d2ff858eb6bac19b27ef9aa586299fc9fc13f" } } ] }, { "key": "shackel-different-people-defence-fails", "text": "Shackel considers, and rejects, the defence that a motte-and-bailey cannot be alleged when different people advance the two claims: as a doctrine rather than a single argument, adherents can still be criticised.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/motte-and-bailey" ], "support": [ { "quote": "however, when we get clear that we are speaking of a doctrine, different people who declare their adherence to that doctrine can be criticised in this way", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b06-shackel-motte-and-bailey", "title": "Motte and Bailey Doctrines", "publisher": "Practical Ethics, University of Oxford", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2014/09/motte-and-bailey-doctrines/", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260622094155/https://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2014/09/motte-and-bailey-doctrines/", "archive_sha256": "43b822a80d999f95372303ffac8d2ff858eb6bac19b27ef9aa586299fc9fc13f" } } ] }, { "key": "shackel-castle-image", "text": "In the medieval castle the image is taken from, a stone tower on a mound is surrounded by pleasantly habitable land, which is in turn ringed by a barrier such as a ditch.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/motte-and-bailey" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a stone tower on a mound (the motte) is surrounded by an area of pleasantly habitable land (the bailey), which in turn is encompassed by some sort of a barrier, such as a ditch", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b06-shackel-motte-and-bailey", "title": "Motte and Bailey Doctrines", "publisher": "Practical Ethics, University of Oxford", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2014/09/motte-and-bailey-doctrines/", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260622094155/https://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2014/09/motte-and-bailey-doctrines/", "archive_sha256": "43b822a80d999f95372303ffac8d2ff858eb6bac19b27ef9aa586299fc9fc13f" } } ] }, { "key": "shackel-not-a-fallacy", "text": "Shackel argues a motte-and-bailey doctrine cannot strictly be a fallacy, because a fallacy is an invalid argument whereas a doctrine is a body of propositions.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/motte-and-bailey" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a fallacy is an argument that is invalid and equivocation is giving different meanings to the same terms when you should be keeping their meaning invariant. a doctrine, however, is a body of propositions, not an argument. so a motte and bailey doctrine cannot be a fallacy", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b06-shackel-motte-and-bailey", "title": "Motte and Bailey Doctrines", "publisher": "Practical Ethics, University of Oxford", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2014/09/motte-and-bailey-doctrines/", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260622094155/https://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2014/09/motte-and-bailey-doctrines/", "archive_sha256": "43b822a80d999f95372303ffac8d2ff858eb6bac19b27ef9aa586299fc9fc13f" } } ] }, { "key": "sealioning-strip-date", "text": "The Wondermark strip that gave the term its name, 'The Terrible Sea Lion', was published on 19 September 2014.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sealioning" ], "support": [ { "quote": "in a strip called \"the terrible sea lion,\" which was published on september 19, 2014", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "merriam-webster-sealioning", "title": "What is 'Sealioning'?", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/sealioning-internet-trolling", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260523143934/https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/sealioning-internet-trolling", "archive_sha256": "4db5d7d2d0a3c3c8c599ba5e6535ad25f4b26b27a4bdea92b68f6d1926658864" } } ] }, { "key": "gaslighting-origin-1938-play", "text": "The word gaslighting comes from the title of a 1938 play, and the films based on it, whose plot involves a man trying to make his wife believe she is going insane.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/conversational-gaslighting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the term comes from the title of a 1938 play and the movies based on that play, the plots of which involve a man attempting to make his wife believe that she is going insane", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-gaslighting", "title": "Gaslighting (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaslighting", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260719100747/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaslighting", "archive_sha256": "0fbb65fc17c9400df255382b80a960197e4ada51e7b8bd12190f95b4807bf9db" } } ] }, { "key": "grey-rock-no-research", "text": "There is no direct scientific research evaluating whether the grey rock method is effective.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/grey-rock" ], "support": [ { "quote": "despite its popularity, there is no direct scientific research evaluating whether the grey rock method is effective", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "conversation-grey-rock", "title": "What is the 'grey rock' method for dealing with narcissists or difficult family members?", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260516202555/https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_sha256": "be6a30c55ea9eb60eea5bbbe1fad5793a88ade1f8f0b0ebc2188b2aaf074305c" } } ] }, { "key": "grey-rock-what-it-is", "text": "Grey rocking means responding in a neutral, minimal and emotionally flat way, particularly in interactions marked by conflict, criticism or provocation.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/grey-rock" ], "support": [ { "quote": "make yourself as uninteresting as a grey rock. respond in a neutral, minimal and emotionally flat way, particularly in interactions marked by conflict, criticism, or provocation", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "conversation-grey-rock", "title": "What is the 'grey rock' method for dealing with narcissists or difficult family members?", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260516202555/https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_sha256": "be6a30c55ea9eb60eea5bbbe1fad5793a88ade1f8f0b0ebc2188b2aaf074305c" } } ] }, { "key": "grey-rock-not-ignoring", "text": "Grey rocking is not the same as ignoring someone: it means acknowledging what they said in a way that limits engagement and reduces escalation.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/grey-rock" ], "support": [ { "quote": "it doesn't mean ignoring the other person. instead, it involves acknowledging what they've said in a way that limits engagement and reduces escalation", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "conversation-grey-rock", "title": "What is the 'grey rock' method for dealing with narcissists or difficult family members?", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260516202555/https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_sha256": "be6a30c55ea9eb60eea5bbbe1fad5793a88ade1f8f0b0ebc2188b2aaf074305c" } } ] }, { "key": "grey-rock-2012-blog", "text": "Support for the grey rock method is largely anecdotal, and the term is traced back to a 2012 mental health blog.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/grey-rock" ], "support": [ { "quote": "much of the support for it is anecdotal , with some tracing the term back to a 2012 mental health blog", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "conversation-grey-rock", "title": "What is the 'grey rock' method for dealing with narcissists or difficult family members?", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260516202555/https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_sha256": "be6a30c55ea9eb60eea5bbbe1fad5793a88ade1f8f0b0ebc2188b2aaf074305c" } } ] }, { "key": "grey-rock-extinction-burst", "text": "When reinforcement is first withdrawn, the behaviour often initially increases in intensity or frequency — an extinction burst.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/grey-rock" ], "support": [ { "quote": "when extinction is first introduced, it's often followed by an initial increase in the intensity or frequency of the behaviour", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "conversation-grey-rock", "title": "What is the 'grey rock' method for dealing with narcissists or difficult family members?", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260516202555/https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_sha256": "be6a30c55ea9eb60eea5bbbe1fad5793a88ade1f8f0b0ebc2188b2aaf074305c" } } ] }, { "key": "grey-rock-must-be-consistent", "text": "Stopping partway through can make the behaviour more persistent, because occasional reward sets up intermittent reinforcement.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/grey-rock" ], "support": [ { "quote": "if the bad behaviour is occasionally rewarded, this sets up \"intermittent reinforcement\" and might lead to more persistent behaviour over time", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "conversation-grey-rock", "title": "What is the 'grey rock' method for dealing with narcissists or difficult family members?", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260516202555/https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_sha256": "be6a30c55ea9eb60eea5bbbe1fad5793a88ade1f8f0b0ebc2188b2aaf074305c" } } ] }, { "key": "grey-rock-safety-limit", "text": "Where abuse is ongoing or escalating and the expected increase in intensity may put someone at risk of harm, safety, clear boundaries and external support are more appropriate than relying on grey rocking alone.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/grey-rock" ], "support": [ { "quote": "in relationships involving ongoing or escalating abuse, where the expected increase in intensity may put you at risk of harm, prioritising safety, clear boundaries and external support are more appropriate than relying on \"grey rocking\" alone", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "conversation-grey-rock", "title": "What is the 'grey rock' method for dealing with narcissists or difficult family members?", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260516202555/https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_sha256": "be6a30c55ea9eb60eea5bbbe1fad5793a88ade1f8f0b0ebc2188b2aaf074305c" } } ] }, { "key": "grey-rock-does-not-fix-cause", "text": "Grey rocking does not address the underlying reasons for the behaviour, and the person may shift to a different tactic or a different target.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/grey-rock" ], "support": [ { "quote": "does not address the deeper reasons behind the person's problematic behaviour (such as substance abuse, emotional dysregulation, or a need to control). the person may also shift to a different tactic or target", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "conversation-grey-rock", "title": "What is the 'grey rock' method for dealing with narcissists or difficult family members?", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260516202555/https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_sha256": "be6a30c55ea9eb60eea5bbbe1fad5793a88ade1f8f0b0ebc2188b2aaf074305c" } } ] }, { "key": "grey-rock-hard-to-sustain", "text": "Staying neutral and emotionally flat in the face of repeated provocation is hard to sustain over time.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/grey-rock" ], "support": [ { "quote": "staying neutral and emotionally flat in the face of repeated provocation is also really hard to sustain over time", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "conversation-grey-rock", "title": "What is the 'grey rock' method for dealing with narcissists or difficult family members?", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260516202555/https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_sha256": "be6a30c55ea9eb60eea5bbbe1fad5793a88ade1f8f0b0ebc2188b2aaf074305c" } } ] }, { "key": "grey-rock-best-use", "text": "Grey rocking may be most useful where contact cannot easily be avoided and the goal is to limit how much those interactions affect you; it will not change the person.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/grey-rock" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the grey rock method may be most useful when contact cannot be easily avoided, and the goal is to limit how much those interactions affect you. it won't change the person", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "conversation-grey-rock", "title": "What is the 'grey rock' method for dealing with narcissists or difficult family members?", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260516202555/https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-grey-rock-method-for-dealing-with-narcissists-or-difficult-family-members-282047", "archive_sha256": "be6a30c55ea9eb60eea5bbbe1fad5793a88ade1f8f0b0ebc2188b2aaf074305c" } } ] }, { "key": "yt-report-anonymous", "text": "On YouTube, reporting content is anonymous: other users cannot tell who made the report.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/report" ], "support": [ { "quote": "reporting content is anonymous, so other users can't tell who made the report", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "yt-report-content", "title": "Report inappropriate content — YouTube Help", "publisher": "Google / YouTube", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260720195202/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027", "archive_sha256": "86fb98a4d1d297b06bf256a9b93e0b78871fe0a27a7f38306d86c9352b12ffb8" } } ] }, { "key": "yt-report-not-automatic", "text": "On YouTube, reported content is not automatically taken down; it is reviewed against the platform's guidelines first.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/report" ], "support": [ { "quote": "when content is reported, it's not automatically taken down", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "yt-report-content", "title": "Report inappropriate content — YouTube Help", "publisher": "Google / YouTube", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260720195202/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027", "archive_sha256": "86fb98a4d1d297b06bf256a9b93e0b78871fe0a27a7f38306d86c9352b12ffb8" } } ] }, { "key": "yt-report-volume-does-not-help", "text": "YouTube states that if its review team finds no violation, no amount of reporting will change that and the video stays up.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/report" ], "support": [ { "quote": "if our review team doesn't find any violations, no amount of reporting will change that, and the video will remain on our site", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "yt-report-content", "title": "Report inappropriate content — YouTube Help", "publisher": "Google / YouTube", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260720195202/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027", "archive_sha256": "86fb98a4d1d297b06bf256a9b93e0b78871fe0a27a7f38306d86c9352b12ffb8" } } ] }, { "key": "yt-report-separate-privacy-route", "text": "YouTube provides separate reporting mechanisms, including a privacy complaint process and a legal reporting route, for issues the standard report form does not capture.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/report" ], "support": [ { "quote": "if the reporting process doesn't accurately capture your issue, we have other reporting mechanisms you can use", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "yt-report-content", "title": "Report inappropriate content — YouTube Help", "publisher": "Google / YouTube", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260720195202/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027", "archive_sha256": "86fb98a4d1d297b06bf256a9b93e0b78871fe0a27a7f38306d86c9352b12ffb8" } }, { "quote": "privacy reporting to file a privacy complaint, start the privacy complaint process", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "yt-report-content", "title": "Report inappropriate content — YouTube Help", "publisher": "Google / YouTube", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260720195202/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027", "archive_sha256": "86fb98a4d1d297b06bf256a9b93e0b78871fe0a27a7f38306d86c9352b12ffb8" } } ] }, { "key": "swatting-definition-mw", "text": "Swatting is making a false report of an ongoing serious crime in order to elicit a response from law enforcement, such as the dispatch of a SWAT unit.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/swatting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "to make a false report of an ongoing serious crime in order to elicit a response from law enforcement (such as the dispatch of a swat unit)", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-swatting", "title": "Swatting (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swatting", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250708091340/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swatting", "archive_sha256": "6b46d1a07115df51aee60198e735ae7dfc3b18bc1cc8f758ac12cd9e5394a0a0" } } ] }, { "key": "cps-wasting-police-time", "text": "In England and Wales the offence of wasting police time is committed where someone causes wasteful employment of police by knowingly making a false report tending to show that an offence has been committed, or to give rise to apprehension for the safety of persons or property.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/swatting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the offence of wasting police time is committed when a person causes any wasteful employment of the police: by knowingly making to any person a false report orally or in writing tending to: show that an offence has been committed; or, give rise to apprehension for the safety of any persons or property", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cps-public-justice-offences", "title": "Public Justice Offences incorporating the Charging Standard", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/public-justice-offences-incorporating-charging-standard", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20240814193056/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/public-justice-offences-incorporating-charging-standard", "archive_sha256": "ec78bc7af2161ac08e5454a219ff09ef21c6f486917a86b3dced0cd15791cd39" } } ] }, { "key": "gish-gallop-definition-mw", "text": "A Gish gallop is a rhetorical strategy in which a debater puts forth too many false arguments for their opponent to be able to refute in the time available.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/gish-gallop" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a rhetorical technique or strategy by which a debater puts forth too many false arguments for their opponent to be able to refute in the allotted amount of time", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b06-mw-gish-gallop", "title": "Gish gallop", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/gish-gallop", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260309042228/https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/gish-gallop", "archive_sha256": "65dd038efca7193af753b66a9c890b83b810b1ca1bd0b6ff26fd8ebda7aa6b62" } } ] }, { "key": "gish-gallop-coinage", "text": "The term was coined by the anthropologist Eugenie C. Scott in 1994, for a strategy often used by the creationist Duane Gish in debates about evolution.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/gish-gallop" ], "support": [ { "quote": "gish gallop was coined by american physical anthropologist eugenie c. scott in 1994, referencing a rhetorical strategy often employed by creationist duane gish in debates about evolution", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b06-mw-gish-gallop", "title": "Gish gallop", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/gish-gallop", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260309042228/https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/gish-gallop", "archive_sha256": "65dd038efca7193af753b66a9c890b83b810b1ca1bd0b6ff26fd8ebda7aa6b62" } } ] }, { "key": "concern-troll-definition", "text": "Concern trolling is opposing an idea while acting like an advocate for it, offering undermining criticisms under the guise of concern.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/concern-trolling" ], "support": [ { "quote": "concern trolling involves someone opposing an idea or viewpoint, yet acting like they're an advocate for the cause. a concern troll offers undermining criticisms under the guise of concern", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b05-dc-concern-troll", "title": "Concern troll (slang entry)", "publisher": "Dictionary.com", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.dictionary.com/culture/slang/concern-troll", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260525055802/https://www.dictionary.com/culture/slang/concern-troll", "archive_sha256": "71d66074f0068bc801afd1fd75a67443728250b46aee7f0648e2298cc79355ad" } } ] }, { "key": "cib-is-metas-own-term", "text": "Coordinated inauthentic behaviour is Meta's own term: it is what Meta says it has defined as the case where adversarial threat actors use false identities for sophisticated inauthentic behaviour.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/coordinated-inauthentic-behaviour" ], "support": [ { "quote": "they engage in what we've defined as coordinated inauthentic behavior (cib)", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b11-meta-inauthentic-behavior", "title": "Community Standards: Inauthentic Behavior", "publisher": "Meta Platforms", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://transparency.meta.com/policies/community-standards/inauthentic-behavior/", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260722124041/https://transparency.meta.com/policies/community-standards/inauthentic-behavior/", "archive_sha256": "894a16df30a888327271e3fe632bdb6aee8d9bd5429612013b8435c29cf79ce1" } }, { "quote": "where adversarial threat actors use false identities to engage in sophisticated forms of inauthentic behavior", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b11-meta-inauthentic-behavior", "title": "Community Standards: Inauthentic Behavior", "publisher": "Meta Platforms", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://transparency.meta.com/policies/community-standards/inauthentic-behavior/", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260722124041/https://transparency.meta.com/policies/community-standards/inauthentic-behavior/", "archive_sha256": "894a16df30a888327271e3fe632bdb6aee8d9bd5429612013b8435c29cf79ce1" } } ] }, { "key": "brigading-definition-mw", "text": "In the online-voting sense, brigading is a large number of users deliberately rating or voting so as to create a result that would not have occurred from the usual sample of respondents.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/brigading" ], "support": [ { "quote": "brigading occurs when a large number of computer users deliberately give a ranking to something (such as a movie or restaurant) or vote in a poll so as to create a result that likely would not have occurred if only the usual sample of respondents had voted or ranked", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-brigading-wordplay", "title": "Calling In a New 'Brigade'", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/brigading-online-poll-meaning", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20241122030510/https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/brigading-online-poll-meaning", "archive_sha256": "dae279891fb1a3fa052139a46ce9ad179fab7423452a63434d315101aaa5b709" } } ] }, { "key": "pedantry-definition-mw", "text": "Merriam-Webster defines pedantry as the pedantic presentation or application of knowledge or learning.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/pedantry-trolling" ], "support": [ { "quote": "pedantic presentation or application of knowledge or learning", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-mw-pedantry", "title": "pedantry", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedantry", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260304035143/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedantry", "archive_sha256": "1a3f78daf4896f26e63c9089f7b5f39e2291df96672e14a18073cba2cb61bcf5" } } ] }, { "key": "brigade-verb-military-mw", "text": "Merriam-Webster's dictionary entry for the verb brigade gives the military sense: to form or unite into a brigade.", "evidence_grade": null, "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/brigading" ], "support": [ { "quote": "brigade 2 of 2 verb brigaded ; brigading transitive verb : to form or unite into a brigade", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b08-mw-brigading", "title": "brigading", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brigading", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250816115532/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brigading", "archive_sha256": "beeadebe03c85d9740e27805e77643883f71f7c76c7ea079fb46d19cdb3fd374" } } ] }, { "key": "cps-keep-a-record", "text": "CPS legal guidance on stalking and harassment says it is sometimes helpful for victims to be encouraged to keep a record or diary of events.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/documenting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "it is sometimes helpful for victims to be encouraged to maintain a record or diary of events", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cps-stalking-harassment", "title": "Stalking and Harassment", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230322170226/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_sha256": "bb8a1ff92b2a9049746831813c0a186c20caa8522ee85550413ff27233307264" } } ] }, { "key": "cps-record-timed-dated", "text": "That guidance says the record should be completed as soon as possible after each event, with every entry timed and dated.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/stalking", "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/documenting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "completed as soon as possible after each event, with all entries timed and dated", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cps-stalking-harassment", "title": "Stalking and Harassment", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230322170226/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_sha256": "bb8a1ff92b2a9049746831813c0a186c20caa8522ee85550413ff27233307264" } } ] }, { "key": "cps-record-electronic", "text": "The same guidance says the record could also be kept electronically on a computer.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/documenting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "this record could also be kept electronically on a computer and may be automatically timed", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cps-stalking-harassment", "title": "Stalking and Harassment", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230322170226/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_sha256": "bb8a1ff92b2a9049746831813c0a186c20caa8522ee85550413ff27233307264" } } ] }, { "key": "cps-record-self-email", "text": "It offers self-emailing each entry as it is written as one way of timestamping an electronic record.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/documenting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "by the victim emailing the document to their own email address as each entry is included", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cps-stalking-harassment", "title": "Stalking and Harassment", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230322170226/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_sha256": "bb8a1ff92b2a9049746831813c0a186c20caa8522ee85550413ff27233307264" } } ] }, { "key": "cps-record-witnesses", "text": "It also suggests noting details of anyone who may have witnessed the events.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/stalking", "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/documenting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "note details of witnesses who may have observed or heard these events", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cps-stalking-harassment", "title": "Stalking and Harassment", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230322170226/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_sha256": "bb8a1ff92b2a9049746831813c0a186c20caa8522ee85550413ff27233307264" } } ] }, { "key": "cps-record-bound-book", "text": "That guidance says the record is ideally maintained in a bound book, kept separately from personal details.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/documenting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "maintained in a bound book, separately from personal details", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cps-stalking-harassment", "title": "Stalking and Harassment", "publisher": "Crown Prosecution Service", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230322170226/https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment", "archive_sha256": "bb8a1ff92b2a9049746831813c0a186c20caa8522ee85550413ff27233307264" } } ] }, { "key": "munger-high-follower-ingroup-effect", "text": "In Munger's Twitter experiment, subjects who were sanctioned by a high-follower white male account significantly reduced their use of a racist slur.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/counter-speech" ], "support": [ { "quote": "subjects who were sanctioned by a high-follower white male significantly reduced their use of a racist slur", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "munger-2017-tweetment", "title": "Tweetment Effects on the Tweeted: Experimentally Reducing Racist Harassment", "publisher": "Political Behavior", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-016-9373-5", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20251128085512/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-016-9373-5", "archive_sha256": "5f294bfb045dd29f61c27ce1c58fd36746616fe68e74970be987437dc0399939" } } ] }, { "key": "munger-conditions-varied", "text": "The experiment varied both the apparent identity of the sanctioning account and how many followers it had.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/counter-speech" ], "support": [ { "quote": "by varying the identity of the bots between in-group (white man) and out-group (black man)", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "munger-2017-tweetment", "title": "Tweetment Effects on the Tweeted: Experimentally Reducing Racist Harassment", "publisher": "Political Behavior", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-016-9373-5", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20251128085512/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-016-9373-5", "archive_sha256": "5f294bfb045dd29f61c27ce1c58fd36746616fe68e74970be987437dc0399939" } }, { "quote": "by varying the identity of the bots between in-group (white man) and out-group (black man) and by varying the number of twitter followers each bot has", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "munger-2017-tweetment", "title": "Tweetment Effects on the Tweeted: Experimentally Reducing Racist Harassment", "publisher": "Political Behavior", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-016-9373-5", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20251128085512/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-016-9373-5", "archive_sha256": "5f294bfb045dd29f61c27ce1c58fd36746616fe68e74970be987437dc0399939" } } ] }, { "key": "munger-sanctioning-by-researcher-accounts", "text": "The sanctioning messages came from accounts the researcher controlled, not from the people who had been harassed.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/counter-speech" ], "support": [ { "quote": "i collect a sample of twitter users who have harassed other users and use accounts i control", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "munger-2017-tweetment", "title": "Tweetment Effects on the Tweeted: Experimentally Reducing Racist Harassment", "publisher": "Political Behavior", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-016-9373-5", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20251128085512/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-016-9373-5", "archive_sha256": "5f294bfb045dd29f61c27ce1c58fd36746616fe68e74970be987437dc0399939" } } ] }, { "key": "munger-what-was-measured", "text": "The behaviour measured was the use of anti-black racist slurs by white men on Twitter.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/counter-speech" ], "support": [ { "quote": "i employ an intervention designed to reduce the use of anti-black racist slurs by white men on twitter", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "munger-2017-tweetment", "title": "Tweetment Effects on the Tweeted: Experimentally Reducing Racist Harassment", "publisher": "Political Behavior", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-016-9373-5", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20251128085512/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-016-9373-5", "archive_sha256": "5f294bfb045dd29f61c27ce1c58fd36746616fe68e74970be987437dc0399939" } } ] }, { "key": "dont-feed-individual-vs-broader", "text": "Merriam-Webster's sealioning entry quotes Amy Johnson observing that the usual advice may allow an individual to navigate the moment without addressing broader effects on trust and learning.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/respond/dont-feed" ], "support": [ { "quote": "while this may allow an individual to navigate the moment, it doesn't address broader effects on trust and learning", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "merriam-webster-sealioning", "title": "What is 'Sealioning'?", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/sealioning-internet-trolling", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260523143934/https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/sealioning-internet-trolling", "archive_sha256": "4db5d7d2d0a3c3c8c599ba5e6535ad25f4b26b27a4bdea92b68f6d1926658864" } } ] }, { "key": "rage-bait-definition", "text": "Merriam-Webster defines rage bait as content that tries to provoke anger or outrage as a means of gaining attention or making money.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/rage-bait" ], "support": [ { "quote": "refers to content (usually, but not always, found online) that tries to provoke anger or outrage, as a means of gaining attention or making money", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b01-mw-rage-bait", "title": "Rage Bait — Merriam-Webster Slang Dictionary", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/rage-bait", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260705022735/https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/rage-bait", "archive_sha256": "1747876f78dec049812a877add470905111901c24eb6f3599ba05dbf72ac4693" } } ] }, { "key": "rage-bait-two-motives", "text": "The same entry says rage bait can also describe trolling done for the enjoyment of provoking a strong reaction rather than for revenue.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/rage-bait" ], "support": [ { "quote": "it can also refer to trolling behavior, in which someone says or posts something offensive simply for the enjoyment of eliciting a strong reaction", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b01-mw-rage-bait", "title": "Rage Bait — Merriam-Webster Slang Dictionary", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/rage-bait", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260705022735/https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/rage-bait", "archive_sha256": "1747876f78dec049812a877add470905111901c24eb6f3599ba05dbf72ac4693" } } ] }, { "key": "rage-bait-also-a-verb", "text": "Merriam-Webster records the term as a verb as well as a noun, meaning to make intentionally provocative or inflammatory statements.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/rage-bait" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the word is also used as a verb", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b01-mw-rage-bait", "title": "Rage Bait — Merriam-Webster Slang Dictionary", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/rage-bait", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260705022735/https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/rage-bait", "archive_sha256": "1747876f78dec049812a877add470905111901c24eb6f3599ba05dbf72ac4693" } }, { "quote": "the word is also used as a verb (\"to make intentionally provocative or inflammatory statements\")", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b01-mw-rage-bait", "title": "Rage Bait — Merriam-Webster Slang Dictionary", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/rage-bait", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260705022735/https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/rage-bait", "archive_sha256": "1747876f78dec049812a877add470905111901c24eb6f3599ba05dbf72ac4693" } } ] }, { "key": "edgelord-definition-mw", "text": "Merriam-Webster defines an edgelord as someone who makes wildly dark and exaggerated statements, as on an internet forum, with the intent of shocking others.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/edgelording" ], "support": [ { "quote": "someone who makes wildly dark and exaggerated statements (as on an internet forum) with the intent of shocking others", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-mw-edgelord", "title": "edgelord", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edgelord", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260427131406/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edgelord", "archive_sha256": "ccb1b2c9be2463546950d5d1cbc8434432ed17359fda8644dc16a929d9804abe" } } ] }, { "key": "edgelord-usage-controversy", "text": "A usage example carried in that entry, quoted from Josh Dickey, describes an edgelord as an internet poster who intentionally uses shocking material to stir up controversy or upset people.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/edgelording" ], "support": [ { "quote": "an internet poster who intentionally uses shocking ideas, language or images for the purpose of stirring up controversy or upsetting people's feelings", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-mw-edgelord", "title": "edgelord", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edgelord", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260427131406/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edgelord", "archive_sha256": "ccb1b2c9be2463546950d5d1cbc8434432ed17359fda8644dc16a929d9804abe" } } ] }, { "key": "edgelord-first-use-2013", "text": "The same entry records the word's first known use as 2013.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/edgelording" ], "support": [ { "quote": "first known use 2013, in the meaning defined above", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-mw-edgelord", "title": "edgelord", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edgelord", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260427131406/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edgelord", "archive_sha256": "ccb1b2c9be2463546950d5d1cbc8434432ed17359fda8644dc16a929d9804abe" } } ] }, { "key": "copypasta-definition-mw", "text": "Merriam-Webster defines copypasta as data, such as a block of text, that has been copied and spread widely online.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/copypasta-flooding" ], "support": [ { "quote": "data (such as a block of text) that has been copied and spread widely online", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-mw-copypasta", "title": "copypasta", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copypasta", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260217120629/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copypasta", "archive_sha256": "e6d360fb659af5d34404b3ad1b939c98a83595d999a207132809a3d73f52d64a" } } ] }, { "key": "copypasta-reapplied", "text": "A usage example in that entry, quoted from Morgan Sung, describes a single tweet becoming a copypasta that was shared and reapplied across unrelated subjects.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/copypasta-flooding" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the tweet became a copypasta , and was shared and applied to movies, tv shows, musicals, songs, and books", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-mw-copypasta", "title": "copypasta", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copypasta", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260217120629/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copypasta", "archive_sha256": "e6d360fb659af5d34404b3ad1b939c98a83595d999a207132809a3d73f52d64a" } } ] }, { "key": "engagement-bait-definition-meta", "text": "Meta describes engagement bait as spammy posts that goad people into interacting with likes, shares, comments and other actions.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/engagement-bait" ], "support": [ { "quote": "spammy posts on facebook that goad them into interacting with likes, shares, comments, and other actions", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b01-meta-engagement-bait", "title": "News Feed FYI: Fighting Engagement Bait on Facebook", "publisher": "Meta (Facebook Newsroom)", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://about.fb.com/news/2017/12/news-feed-fyi-fighting-engagement-bait-on-facebook/", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260716131704/https://about.fb.com/news/2017/12/news-feed-fyi-fighting-engagement-bait-on-facebook/", "archive_sha256": "d3d0b571875d7e87d8c2fea17b993d945e1a22e55300fec6134bf98722c8735b" } } ] }, { "key": "engagement-bait-seeks-reach", "text": "Meta says the tactic seeks to take advantage of its News Feed algorithm by boosting engagement in order to get greater reach.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/engagement-bait" ], "support": [ { "quote": "seeks to take advantage of our news feed algorithm by boosting engagement in order to get greater reach", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b01-meta-engagement-bait", "title": "News Feed FYI: Fighting Engagement Bait on Facebook", "publisher": "Meta (Facebook Newsroom)", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://about.fb.com/news/2017/12/news-feed-fyi-fighting-engagement-bait-on-facebook/", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260716131704/https://about.fb.com/news/2017/12/news-feed-fyi-fighting-engagement-bait-on-facebook/", "archive_sha256": "d3d0b571875d7e87d8c2fea17b993d945e1a22e55300fec6134bf98722c8735b" } } ] }, { "key": "engagement-bait-demoted", "text": "Meta states that posts using the tactic are shown less in News Feed, with stricter demotions for pages that use it systematically and repeatedly.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/engagement-bait" ], "support": [ { "quote": "posts that use this tactic will be shown less in news feed", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b01-meta-engagement-bait", "title": "News Feed FYI: Fighting Engagement Bait on Facebook", "publisher": "Meta (Facebook Newsroom)", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://about.fb.com/news/2017/12/news-feed-fyi-fighting-engagement-bait-on-facebook/", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260716131704/https://about.fb.com/news/2017/12/news-feed-fyi-fighting-engagement-bait-on-facebook/", "archive_sha256": "d3d0b571875d7e87d8c2fea17b993d945e1a22e55300fec6134bf98722c8735b" } } ] }, { "key": "necroposting-netiquette-breach", "text": "That article says the practice is generally seen as a breach of netiquette on most forums.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/necroposting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "this practice is generally seen as a breach of netiquette on most forums", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-wikipedia-internet-forum", "title": "Internet forum (section: Necroposting)", "publisher": "Wikipedia / Wikimedia Foundation", "kind": "ngo", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_forum", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260724103946/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_forum", "archive_sha256": "06c3c4157b5c133293b4f794c5c2cccb2122aa630562595a895fab38ed24e233" } } ] }, { "key": "necropost-definition-wikipedia", "text": "Wikipedia's article on internet forums describes a necropost as a message that revives an arbitrarily old thread, causing it to appear above newer and more active threads.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/necroposting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a necropost is a message that revives (as in necromancy ) an arbitrarily old thread, causing it to appear above newer and more active threads", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-wikipedia-internet-forum", "title": "Internet forum (section: Necroposting)", "publisher": "Wikipedia / Wikimedia Foundation", "kind": "ngo", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_forum", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260724103946/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_forum", "archive_sha256": "06c3c4157b5c133293b4f794c5c2cccb2122aa630562595a895fab38ed24e233" } } ] }, { "key": "uk-stalking-advocacy-services", "text": "UK government guidance on reporting a stalker points readers to advocacy services, naming Paladin, the National Stalking Advocacy Service.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/stalking" ], "support": [ { "quote": "you can also contact: paladin national stalking advocacy service", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "gov-uk-report-stalker", "title": "Report a stalker", "publisher": "GOV.UK", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/report-stalker", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260329133111/https://www.gov.uk/report-stalker", "archive_sha256": "d59285305ee6573bf3d4a701d43849c0806b219045076c5536e9208a8f397f53" } } ] }, { "key": "wp-sock-disguised-activity", "text": "Wikipedia's conduct policy describes sock puppets as online identities used for disguised activity by the person operating them.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sockpuppetry" ], "support": [ { "quote": "in internet jargon , sock puppets are online identities used for disguised activity by the operator", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b07-wikipedia-sock-puppetry", "title": "Wikipedia:Sock puppetry (conduct policy)", "publisher": "Wikipedia", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260707003458/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_sha256": "dc5586874a9f5332f2e034a421e0c7f5ea897e1c5a8154e72664e307a33bb049" } } ] }, { "key": "wp-policies-per-person", "text": "Wikipedia's policy applies per person rather than per account, so having several accounts is not itself the offence.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sockpuppetry" ], "support": [ { "quote": "policies apply per person, not per account", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b07-wikipedia-sock-puppetry", "title": "Wikipedia:Sock puppetry (conduct policy)", "publisher": "Wikipedia", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260707003458/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_sha256": "dc5586874a9f5332f2e034a421e0c7f5ea897e1c5a8154e72664e307a33bb049" } } ] }, { "key": "wp-suggests-multiple-people", "text": "Wikipedia's operative test is not the number of accounts but whether they are used on the same page or discussion in a way that suggests they are multiple people.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sockpuppetry" ], "support": [ { "quote": "editors may not use more than one account to contribute to the same page or discussion in a way that suggests they are multiple people", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b07-wikipedia-sock-puppetry", "title": "Wikipedia:Sock puppetry (conduct policy)", "publisher": "Wikipedia", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260707003458/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_sha256": "dc5586874a9f5332f2e034a421e0c7f5ea897e1c5a8154e72664e307a33bb049" } } ] }, { "key": "wp-meatpuppet-recruited", "text": "Wikipedia uses meatpuppet for real people recruited into a dispute, distinguishing them from one operator running several accounts.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sockpuppetry" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the recruited editors are sometimes referred to as meatpuppets", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b07-wikipedia-sock-puppetry", "title": "Wikipedia:Sock puppetry (conduct policy)", "publisher": "Wikipedia", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260707003458/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_sha256": "dc5586874a9f5332f2e034a421e0c7f5ea897e1c5a8154e72664e307a33bb049" } } ] }, { "key": "wp-accusation-counterproductive", "text": "Wikipedia's own policy warns that directly accusing someone of being a meatpuppet may be counterproductive and will often only inflame the dispute.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sockpuppetry" ], "support": [ { "quote": "it may be counterproductive to directly accuse someone of being a \"meatpuppet\", and doing so will often only inflame the dispute", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b07-wikipedia-sock-puppetry", "title": "Wikipedia:Sock puppetry (conduct policy)", "publisher": "Wikipedia", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260707003458/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_sha256": "dc5586874a9f5332f2e034a421e0c7f5ea897e1c5a8154e72664e307a33bb049" } } ] }, { "key": "wp-consensus-not-vote-count", "text": "Wikipedia's stated way of blunting an influx of accounts is that consensus should rest on policy-related points made by editors rather than on the number of votes.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/sockpuppetry" ], "support": [ { "quote": "consensus in many debates and discussions should ideally not be based upon number of votes, but upon policy-related points made by editors", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b07-wikipedia-sock-puppetry", "title": "Wikipedia:Sock puppetry (conduct policy)", "publisher": "Wikipedia", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260707003458/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sock_puppetry", "archive_sha256": "dc5586874a9f5332f2e034a421e0c7f5ea897e1c5a8154e72664e307a33bb049" } } ] }, { "key": "crowdturfing-bot-assumption-fails", "text": "Defences that assume malicious activity is generated automatically by machines perform poorly or fail when real users are organised through crowd-sourcing to do the work by hand.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/astroturfing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "many of these techniques make the assumption that malicious activity is generated automatically by machines, and perform poorly or fail if users can be organized to perform malicious tasks using crowd-sourcing systems", "locator": "abstract", "source": { "key": "b09-arxiv-crowdturfing", "title": "Serf and Turf: Crowdturfing for Fun and Profit", "publisher": "arXiv", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/1111.5654", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20251006065641/https://arxiv.org/abs/1111.5654", "archive_sha256": "151ef3ded42ec2c873ffc9b5c98b2b8a7ddbccd585b0ec0a6d018b1652741bb1" } } ] }, { "key": "crowdturfing-campaigns-reach", "text": "The authors of a 2012 study of paid crowd-manipulation marketplaces report that their results suggest such campaigns are highly effective at reaching users.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/astroturfing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "our results suggest that campaigns on these systems are highly effective at reaching users", "locator": "abstract", "source": { "key": "b09-arxiv-crowdturfing", "title": "Serf and Turf: Crowdturfing for Fun and Profit", "publisher": "arXiv", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/1111.5654", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20251006065641/https://arxiv.org/abs/1111.5654", "archive_sha256": "151ef3ded42ec2c873ffc9b5c98b2b8a7ddbccd585b0ec0a6d018b1652741bb1" } } ] }, { "key": "ira-alleged-scale-and-budget", "text": "A 2018 United States indictment alleged that the Internet Research Agency employed hundreds of persons for its online operations, ranging from creators of fictitious personas to technical and administrative support, with an annual budget of millions of dollars.", "evidence_grade": "contested", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/coordinated-inauthentic-behaviour" ], "support": [ { "quote": "it employed hundreds of persons for its online operations, ranging from creators of fictitious personas to technical and administrative support, with an annual budget of millions of dollars", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b10-doj-ira-indictment", "title": "Grand Jury Indicts Thirteen Russian Individuals and Three Russian Companies for Scheme to Interfere in the United States Political System", "publisher": "United States Department of Justice", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/grand-jury-indicts-thirteen-russian-individuals-and-three-russian-companies-scheme-interfere", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250202045610/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/grand-jury-indicts-thirteen-russian-individuals-and-three-russian-companies-scheme-interfere", "archive_sha256": "ea74c5c9bf83c1e9f08665220be2cb1df9302fd21e403e81b54a88ccf4855acf" } } ] }, { "key": "ira-alleged-false-identities", "text": "The same indictment alleged the defendants used stolen or fictitious American identities, fraudulent bank accounts and false identification documents.", "evidence_grade": "contested", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/coordinated-inauthentic-behaviour" ], "support": [ { "quote": "they used stolen or fictitious american identities, fraudulent bank accounts, and false identification documents", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b10-doj-ira-indictment", "title": "Grand Jury Indicts Thirteen Russian Individuals and Three Russian Companies for Scheme to Interfere in the United States Political System", "publisher": "United States Department of Justice", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/grand-jury-indicts-thirteen-russian-individuals-and-three-russian-companies-scheme-interfere", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250202045610/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/grand-jury-indicts-thirteen-russian-individuals-and-three-russian-companies-scheme-interfere", "archive_sha256": "ea74c5c9bf83c1e9f08665220be2cb1df9302fd21e403e81b54a88ccf4855acf" } } ] }, { "key": "doj-no-allegation-altered-outcome", "text": "The Department of Justice stated that there is no allegation in the indictment that the charged conduct altered the outcome of the 2016 election.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/coordinated-inauthentic-behaviour" ], "support": [ { "quote": "there is no allegation in the indictment that the charged conduct altered the outcome of the 2016 election", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b10-doj-ira-indictment", "title": "Grand Jury Indicts Thirteen Russian Individuals and Three Russian Companies for Scheme to Interfere in the United States Political System", "publisher": "United States Department of Justice", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/grand-jury-indicts-thirteen-russian-individuals-and-three-russian-companies-scheme-interfere", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250202045610/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/grand-jury-indicts-thirteen-russian-individuals-and-three-russian-companies-scheme-interfere", "archive_sha256": "ea74c5c9bf83c1e9f08665220be2cb1df9302fd21e403e81b54a88ccf4855acf" } } ] }, { "key": "doj-presumed-innocent", "text": "The Department of Justice noted in the same announcement that everyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/coordinated-inauthentic-behaviour" ], "support": [ { "quote": "everyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b10-doj-ira-indictment", "title": "Grand Jury Indicts Thirteen Russian Individuals and Three Russian Companies for Scheme to Interfere in the United States Political System", "publisher": "United States Department of Justice", "kind": "government", "url": "https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/grand-jury-indicts-thirteen-russian-individuals-and-three-russian-companies-scheme-interfere", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250202045610/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/grand-jury-indicts-thirteen-russian-individuals-and-three-russian-companies-scheme-interfere", "archive_sha256": "ea74c5c9bf83c1e9f08665220be2cb1df9302fd21e403e81b54a88ccf4855acf" } } ] }, { "key": "reddit-solicit-votes-offplatform", "text": "Reddit's rule against soliciting votes explicitly covers requests made through social networks and messaging, not only requests made on Reddit itself.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/brigading" ], "support": [ { "quote": "soliciting votes: requesting or encouraging people to upvote or downvote specific posts, either on reddit or through social networks, messaging, etc. for personal gain", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b08-reddit-vote-manipulation", "title": "What constitutes vote cheating and vote manipulation?", "publisher": "Reddit Help", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043066412", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20240119122032/https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043066412", "archive_sha256": "7bf46a2060585b34fb5f4668857057a4d67841f830b0fadff86acec12ee6132a" } } ] }, { "key": "reddit-manipulation-manual-or-programmatic", "text": "Reddit prohibits vote manipulation whether it is manual, programmatic, or otherwise.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/brigading" ], "support": [ { "quote": "vote manipulation is prohibited on reddit and goes against the rules, whether it is manual, programmatic, or otherwise", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b08-reddit-vote-manipulation", "title": "What constitutes vote cheating and vote manipulation?", "publisher": "Reddit Help", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043066412", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20240119122032/https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043066412", "archive_sha256": "7bf46a2060585b34fb5f4668857057a4d67841f830b0fadff86acec12ee6132a" } } ] }, { "key": "reddit-group-voting-prohibited", "text": "Reddit lists joining or forming groups that coordinate votes as a form of vote manipulation.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/brigading" ], "support": [ { "quote": "participating in group voting: joining or forming groups that coordinate votes", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b08-reddit-vote-manipulation", "title": "What constitutes vote cheating and vote manipulation?", "publisher": "Reddit Help", "kind": "platform_policy", "url": "https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043066412", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20240119122032/https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043066412", "archive_sha256": "7bf46a2060585b34fb5f4668857057a4d67841f830b0fadff86acec12ee6132a" } } ] }, { "key": "hate-raids-two-modes", "text": "Researchers measuring hate raids on Twitch found evidence confirming that some were highly-targeted, hate-driven attacks, while also observing another mode resembling networked harassment and subcultural trolling.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/brigading", "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/dogpiling" ], "support": [ { "quote": "we present evidence that confirms that some hate raids were highly-targeted, hate-driven attacks, but we also observe another mode of hate raid similar to networked harassment and specific forms of subcultural trolling", "locator": "abstract", "source": { "key": "b12-acm-hate-raids", "title": "Hate Raids on Twitch: Echoes of the Past, New Modalities, and Implications for Platform Governance", "publisher": "Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3579609", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250702050047/https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3579609", "archive_sha256": "009d1c15004889c90853cc2fa7eabd538bc7b7db678cbf04fa6a2682f43f0623" } } ] }, { "key": "hate-raids-disproportionate-targets", "text": "The same study found that streamers who self-identify as LGBTQ+ and/or Black were disproportionately targeted, and that hate raid messages were most commonly rooted in anti-Black racism and antisemitism.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/brigading" ], "support": [ { "quote": "we show that the streamers who self-identify as lgbtq+ and/or black were disproportionately targeted and that hate raid messages were most commonly rooted in anti-black racism and antisemitism", "locator": "abstract", "source": { "key": "b12-acm-hate-raids", "title": "Hate Raids on Twitch: Echoes of the Past, New Modalities, and Implications for Platform Governance", "publisher": "Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3579609", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250702050047/https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3579609", "archive_sha256": "009d1c15004889c90853cc2fa7eabd538bc7b7db678cbf04fa6a2682f43f0623" } } ] }, { "key": "hate-raid-overwhelms-chatroom", "text": "A hate raid is described as an attack that overwhelms a streamer's chatroom with hateful messages, often through the use of bots and automation.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/brigading" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a form of attack that overwhelms a streamer's chatroom with hateful messages, often through the use of bots and automation", "locator": "abstract", "source": { "key": "b12-acm-hate-raids", "title": "Hate Raids on Twitch: Echoes of the Past, New Modalities, and Implications for Platform Governance", "publisher": "Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3579609", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250702050047/https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3579609", "archive_sha256": "009d1c15004889c90853cc2fa7eabd538bc7b7db678cbf04fa6a2682f43f0623" } } ] }, { "key": "doxxing-spelling-variants", "text": "Merriam-Webster records both spellings as standard variants of the same verb: dox or doxx, giving doxed or doxxed, doxing or doxxing, and doxes or doxxes.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/doxxing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "variants or doxx doxed or doxxed ; doxing or doxxing ; doxes or doxxes", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-doxxing", "title": "Doxxing (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doxxing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260306052327/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doxxing", "archive_sha256": "44eaa9fe9299653f9dfdc466eafd0ce07389bd0c0292b10ca0fe8dd90f3b452d" } } ] }, { "key": "doxxing-etymology-docs", "text": "Merriam-Webster gives the origin as a respelling of docs, the plural of doc meaning document, derived from the earlier practice of dropping docs or doc-dropping, which described the same act.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/doxxing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "respelling of docs, plural of doc (short for document entry 1 ), verbal derivative based on earlier dropping docs, doc-dropping, etc., describing the same act", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-doxxing", "title": "Doxxing (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doxxing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260306052327/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doxxing", "archive_sha256": "44eaa9fe9299653f9dfdc466eafd0ce07389bd0c0292b10ca0fe8dd90f3b452d" } } ] }, { "key": "doxxing-first-known-use-2009", "text": "Merriam-Webster gives 2009 as the first known use of the word in this meaning.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/red-lines/doxxing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "first known use 2009, in the meaning defined above", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-doxxing", "title": "Doxxing (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doxxing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260306052327/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doxxing", "archive_sha256": "44eaa9fe9299653f9dfdc466eafd0ce07389bd0c0292b10ca0fe8dd90f3b452d" } } ] }, { "key": "astroturf-metaphorically-opposed-grassroots", "text": "Merriam-Webster's etymology derives astroturfing from AstroTurf, described as metaphorically opposed to grass roots.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/astroturfing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "astroturf (metaphorically opposed to grass roots ) + -ing", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-astroturfing", "title": "Astroturfing (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260509220252/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing", "archive_sha256": "8c283aab4b061b3cab54e7b464c28fbdca829e22222cacf4c6b874372323106b" } } ] }, { "key": "astroturfing-first-known-use-1993", "text": "Merriam-Webster gives 1993 as the first known use of astroturfing in this meaning.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/astroturfing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "first known use 1993, in the meaning defined above", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-astroturfing", "title": "Astroturfing (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260509220252/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing", "archive_sha256": "8c283aab4b061b3cab54e7b464c28fbdca829e22222cacf4c6b874372323106b" } } ] }, { "key": "astroturfing-coined-1985-bentsen", "text": "A usage example quoted in Merriam-Webster's entry, from New Scientist, reports that the term appears to have been coined in 1985 by the then Texas senator Lloyd Bentsen, who noted that the mountains of letters he received about insurance legislation originated with insurers.", "evidence_grade": "contested", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/astroturfing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the term itself appears to have been coined in 1985 by then texas senator lloyd bentsen, who noted that the mountains of letters he received about legislation on insurance originated with insurers", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-astroturfing", "title": "Astroturfing (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260509220252/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing", "archive_sha256": "8c283aab4b061b3cab54e7b464c28fbdca829e22222cacf4c6b874372323106b" } } ] }, { "key": "astroturfing-classic-disguising-orchestrated", "text": "A usage example quoted in Merriam-Webster's entry, from New Scientist, describes classic astroturfing as the practice of disguising an orchestrated campaign as a spontaneous upwelling of public opinion.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/astroturfing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "classic astroturfing is the practice of disguising an orchestrated campaign as a spontaneous upwelling of public opinion", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "mw-astroturfing", "title": "Astroturfing (definition)", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260509220252/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing", "archive_sha256": "8c283aab4b061b3cab54e7b464c28fbdca829e22222cacf4c6b874372323106b" } } ] }, { "key": "darvo-self-blame-association", "text": "In a study reported on Jennifer Freyd's page, higher levels of exposure to DARVO during a confrontation were associated with increased perceptions of self-blame among the people doing the confronting.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/darvo" ], "support": [ { "quote": "higher levels of exposure to darvo during a confrontation were associated with increased perceptions of self-blame among the confronters", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "freyd-darvo", "title": "What is DARVO?", "publisher": "University of Oregon", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260718075836/https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_sha256": "352ea06f72d6659a635b8c66f40b551c5cf51d38e41962971727bbbb36a3f489" } } ] }, { "key": "darvo-commonly-used-when-confronted", "text": "The same study reported that DARVO was commonly used by individuals who were confronted.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/darvo" ], "support": [ { "quote": "darvo was commonly used by individuals who were confronted", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "freyd-darvo", "title": "What is DARVO?", "publisher": "University of Oregon", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260718075836/https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_sha256": "352ea06f72d6659a635b8c66f40b551c5cf51d38e41962971727bbbb36a3f489" } } ] }, { "key": "darvo-silence-through-self-blame", "text": "The study's authors write that exploring DARVO aids in understanding how perpetrators are able to enforce victims' silence through the mechanism of self-blame.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/darvo" ], "support": [ { "quote": "exploring darvo aids in understanding how perpetrators are able to enforce victims' silence through the mechanism of self-blame", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "freyd-darvo", "title": "What is DARVO?", "publisher": "University of Oregon", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260718075836/https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_sha256": "352ea06f72d6659a635b8c66f40b551c5cf51d38e41962971727bbbb36a3f489" } } ] }, { "key": "institutional-darvo", "text": "Freyd uses institutional DARVO for the case where DARVO is committed by an institution, or with institutional complicity, giving the example of police charging rape victims with lying.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/darvo" ], "support": [ { "quote": "institutional darvo occurs when the darvo is committed by an institution (or with institutional complicity) as when police charge rape victims with lying", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "freyd-darvo", "title": "What is DARVO?", "publisher": "University of Oregon", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260718075836/https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_sha256": "352ea06f72d6659a635b8c66f40b551c5cf51d38e41962971727bbbb36a3f489" } } ] }, { "key": "darvo-study-2017-identity", "text": "The empirical work behind DARVO includes a 2017 peer-reviewed open-access study, Perpetrator Responses to Victim Confrontation: DARVO and Victim Self-Blame, by Harsey, Zurbriggen and Freyd.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/darvo" ], "support": [ { "quote": "in a 2017 peer-reviewed open-access research study, perpetrator responses to victim confrontation: darvo and victim self-blame , harsey, zurbriggen, & freyd reported that", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "freyd-darvo", "title": "What is DARVO?", "publisher": "University of Oregon", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260718075836/https://www.jjfreyd.com/darvo", "archive_sha256": "352ea06f72d6659a635b8c66f40b551c5cf51d38e41962971727bbbb36a3f489" } } ] }, { "key": "ad-hominem-sense-feelings-prejudices", "text": "Merriam-Webster's first sense of ad hominem is appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect, which is not the same as attacking someone's character.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/ad-hominem-baiting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b03-mw-ad-hominem", "title": "ad hominem", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20hominem", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260715232801/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20hominem", "archive_sha256": "5c3eef7cdd8c2269775439ccc1ab08c5e188e873153283cb54e5c3b91369389e" } } ] }, { "key": "ad-hominem-original-persuasion-method", "text": "Merriam-Webster records that in centuries past the phrase referred to a method of persuasion in which one introduces issues relating personally to one's opponent — their habits, practices or circumstances — instead of sticking to principles or facts.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/ad-hominem-baiting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "to refer to a method of persuasion in which one introduces issues that relate personally to one's opponent, such as the opponent's habits, practices, or circumstances, instead of just sticking to principles or facts", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b03-mw-ad-hominem", "title": "ad hominem", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20hominem", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260715232801/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20hominem", "archive_sha256": "5c3eef7cdd8c2269775439ccc1ab08c5e188e873153283cb54e5c3b91369389e" } } ] }, { "key": "ad-hominem-meaning-expanded", "text": "Merriam-Webster describes how the term's scope expanded until ad hominem came to describe an attack aimed at an opponent's character rather than their ideas.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/ad-hominem-baiting" ], "support": [ { "quote": "what exactly came into play in such persuasions eventually expanded, and ad hominem came to describe an attack aimed at an opponent's character rather than their ideas", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b03-mw-ad-hominem", "title": "ad hominem", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20hominem", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260715232801/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20hominem", "archive_sha256": "5c3eef7cdd8c2269775439ccc1ab08c5e188e873153283cb54e5c3b91369389e" } } ] }, { "key": "straw-man-sense-cover-person", "text": "Merriam-Webster's second sense of straw man is a person set up to serve as a cover for a usually questionable transaction.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/strawmanning" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a person set up to serve as a cover for a usually questionable transaction", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b04-mw-straw-man", "title": "straw man", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20man", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260724072056/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20man", "archive_sha256": "7f5e6b9d92c412abff975458aad473edb9968f6594b826ff9c59de8847093bfc" } } ] }, { "key": "straw-man-first-known-use-1840", "text": "Merriam-Webster dates the first known use of straw man to 1840, at the sense meaning a person used as a cover rather than the argument sense.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/strawmanning" ], "support": [ { "quote": "first known use 1840, in the meaning defined at sense 2", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b04-mw-straw-man", "title": "straw man", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20man", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260724072056/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20man", "archive_sha256": "7f5e6b9d92c412abff975458aad473edb9968f6594b826ff9c59de8847093bfc" } } ] }, { "key": "concern-troll-goal-sabotage-doubt", "text": "Dictionary.com's slang entry gives the concern troll's goal as sabotaging the cause being discussed and inspiring doubt among group members.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/concern-trolling" ], "support": [ { "quote": "their goal is to sabotage the cause being discussed, and to inspire doubt among group members", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b05-dc-concern-troll", "title": "Concern troll (slang entry)", "publisher": "Dictionary.com", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.dictionary.com/culture/slang/concern-troll", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260525055802/https://www.dictionary.com/culture/slang/concern-troll", "archive_sha256": "71d66074f0068bc801afd1fd75a67443728250b46aee7f0648e2298cc79355ad" } } ] }, { "key": "concern-troll-occurs-in-groups", "text": "The same entry places concern trolling in groups rallied around a particular issue, especially political parties.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/concern-trolling" ], "support": [ { "quote": "this occurs in groups rallied around a particular issue, especially in political parties", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b05-dc-concern-troll", "title": "Concern troll (slang entry)", "publisher": "Dictionary.com", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.dictionary.com/culture/slang/concern-troll", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260525055802/https://www.dictionary.com/culture/slang/concern-troll", "archive_sha256": "71d66074f0068bc801afd1fd75a67443728250b46aee7f0648e2298cc79355ad" } } ] }, { "key": "concern-troll-origin-scare-quotes", "text": "Dictionary.com dates the term to at least 2005 and describes it as evolving from concerned troll in scare quotes, the quotation marks marking how unconcerned the troll actually is.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/concern-trolling" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the term concern troll has been around since at least 2005, where it evolved from \"concerned\" troll , where the quotation marks show just how unconcerned this kind of internet troll really is", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b05-dc-concern-troll", "title": "Concern troll (slang entry)", "publisher": "Dictionary.com", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.dictionary.com/culture/slang/concern-troll", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260525055802/https://www.dictionary.com/culture/slang/concern-troll", "archive_sha256": "71d66074f0068bc801afd1fd75a67443728250b46aee7f0648e2298cc79355ad" } } ] }, { "key": "pedantry-first-known-use-1612", "text": "Merriam-Webster dates the first known use of the word pedantry to 1612.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/pedantry-trolling" ], "support": [ { "quote": "first known use 1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-mw-pedantry", "title": "pedantry", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedantry", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260304035143/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedantry", "archive_sha256": "1a3f78daf4896f26e63c9089f7b5f39e2291df96672e14a18073cba2cb61bcf5" } } ] }, { "key": "tone-policing-definition-collins", "text": "Collins English Dictionary defines tone policing as the rejection of an argument on the grounds of the tone in which it is delivered rather than on the grounds of its content.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/tone-policing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "the rejection of an argument on the grounds of the tone in which it is delivered rather than on the grounds of its content", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b03-collins-tone-policing", "title": "Tone policing", "publisher": "Collins English Dictionary", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/tone-policing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260104105320/https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/tone-policing", "archive_sha256": "26eeb3166bef65629742260ea4180cfe0b43cbf3b58e775caa5e4a44cbf151d8" } } ] }, { "key": "tone-policing-definition-dotcom", "text": "Dictionary.com defines tone policing as a conversational tactic that dismisses the ideas being communicated when they are perceived to be delivered in an angry, frustrated, sad, fearful, or otherwise emotionally charged manner.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/tone-policing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a conversational tactic that dismisses the ideas being communicated when they are perceived to be delivered in an angry, frustrated, sad, fearful, or otherwise emotionally charged manner", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b03-dotcom-tone-policing", "title": "tone policing", "publisher": "Dictionary.com", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.dictionary.com/browse/tone-policing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260226131640/https://www.dictionary.com/browse/tone-policing", "archive_sha256": "85214657346eee22ce64c8b01c7d3da6c138ea2b393a0a025f045b8031ff851a" } } ] }, { "key": "tone-policing-first-recorded", "text": "Dictionary.com gives the origin of tone policing as first recorded in 2015-20.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/tone-policing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "first recorded in 2015-20", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b03-dotcom-tone-policing", "title": "tone policing", "publisher": "Dictionary.com", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.dictionary.com/browse/tone-policing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260226131640/https://www.dictionary.com/browse/tone-policing", "archive_sha256": "85214657346eee22ce64c8b01c7d3da6c138ea2b393a0a025f045b8031ff851a" } } ] }, { "key": "tone-policing-example-silencing", "text": "One of the example sentences Dictionary.com supplies for the term is that tone policing can silence the narratives of oppressed populations.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/tone-policing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "tone policing can silence the narratives of oppressed populations", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b03-dotcom-tone-policing", "title": "tone policing", "publisher": "Dictionary.com", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.dictionary.com/browse/tone-policing", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260226131640/https://www.dictionary.com/browse/tone-policing", "archive_sha256": "85214657346eee22ce64c8b01c7d3da6c138ea2b393a0a025f045b8031ff851a" } } ] }, { "key": "derail-verb-obstruct-progress", "text": "Merriam-Webster's figurative sense of the verb derail is to obstruct the progress of, or frustrate.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/derailing" ], "support": [ { "quote": "to obstruct the progress of : frustrate", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-mw-derail", "title": "derail", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derail", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260320102108/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derail", "archive_sha256": "ab813d1da6bbec4e4acbac73346345e15f72d3c646916c0cb3faa2cf00a399f6" } } ] }, { "key": "flame-angry-electronic-message", "text": "Merriam-Webster's sixth sense of the noun flame is an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/tactics/flamebait" ], "support": [ { "quote": "an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b01-mw-flame", "title": "flame", "publisher": "Merriam-Webster", "kind": "dictionary", "url": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flame", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260520044209/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flame", "archive_sha256": "985ec67906c9d2f63ad140b5bbbfc2bb526fe36305d3c93c21ec4da19f7673d4" } } ] }, { "key": "cheng-prior-work-vocal-minority", "text": "Cheng and colleagues set their study against prior work suggesting that trolling is confined to a vocal and antisocial minority, and argue that ordinary people can engage in it as well.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "while prior work suggests that trolling behavior is confined to a vocal and antisocial minority, we demonstrate that ordinary people can engage in such behavior as well", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cheng-2017-anyone-troll", "title": "Anyone Can Become a Troll: Causes of Trolling Behavior in Online Discussions", "publisher": "CSCW 2017", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250124015644/https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_sha256": "629bee5ae98971453d7fd4a4fa4665e3da9f344ad2371c92122aec8df3706a52" } } ] }, { "key": "cheng-two-trigger-mechanisms", "text": "The two triggers the paper proposes are the individual's mood and the surrounding context of the discussion.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "we propose two primary trigger mechanisms: the individual's mood, and the surrounding context of a discussion", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cheng-2017-anyone-troll", "title": "Anyone Can Become a Troll: Causes of Trolling Behavior in Online Discussions", "publisher": "CSCW 2017", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250124015644/https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_sha256": "629bee5ae98971453d7fd4a4fa4665e3da9f344ad2371c92122aec8df3706a52" } } ] }, { "key": "cheng-context-beats-user-history", "text": "In the paper's predictive model, mood and discussion context together can explain trolling behaviour better than an individual's history of trolling.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/how-conversations-turn-toxic", "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "a predictive model of trolling behavior shows that mood and discussion context together can explain trolling behavior better than an individual's history of trolling", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cheng-2017-anyone-troll", "title": "Anyone Can Become a Troll: Causes of Trolling Behavior in Online Discussions", "publisher": "CSCW 2017", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250124015644/https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_sha256": "629bee5ae98971453d7fd4a4fa4665e3da9f344ad2371c92122aec8df3706a52" } } ] }, { "key": "cheng-experiment-was-simulated", "text": "The experimental half of the study used a simulated online discussion.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "through an experiment simulating an online discussion", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cheng-2017-anyone-troll", "title": "Anyone Can Become a Troll: Causes of Trolling Behavior in Online Discussions", "publisher": "CSCW 2017", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250124015644/https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_sha256": "629bee5ae98971453d7fd4a4fa4665e3da9f344ad2371c92122aec8df3706a52" } } ] }, { "key": "cheng-longitudinal-in-the-wild", "text": "The same mechanisms were then examined outside the experiment, in a longitudinal analysis of a large online news discussion community.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "we study how these same mechanisms play out in the wild via a data-driven, longitudinal analysis of a large online news discussion community", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cheng-2017-anyone-troll", "title": "Anyone Can Become a Troll: Causes of Trolling Behavior in Online Discussions", "publisher": "CSCW 2017", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250124015644/https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_sha256": "629bee5ae98971453d7fd4a4fa4665e3da9f344ad2371c92122aec8df3706a52" } } ] }, { "key": "cheng-conclusion-stated-as-suggestion", "text": "The paper states its conclusion as a suggestion: that ordinary people can, under the right circumstances, behave like trolls.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "these results combine to suggest that ordinary people can, under the right circumstances, behave like trolls", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cheng-2017-anyone-troll", "title": "Anyone Can Become a Troll: Causes of Trolling Behavior in Online Discussions", "publisher": "CSCW 2017", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250124015644/https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_sha256": "629bee5ae98971453d7fd4a4fa4665e3da9f344ad2371c92122aec8df3706a52" } } ] }, { "key": "cheng-press-framing-technology-review", "text": "The authors' own page for the paper lists its press coverage, including a Technology Review headline reading 'There's a troll inside all of us, researchers say'.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "technology review: there's a troll inside all of us, researchers say", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cheng-2017-anyone-troll", "title": "Anyone Can Become a Troll: Causes of Trolling Behavior in Online Discussions", "publisher": "CSCW 2017", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250124015644/https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_sha256": "629bee5ae98971453d7fd4a4fa4665e3da9f344ad2371c92122aec8df3706a52" } } ] }, { "key": "march-sample-composition", "text": "March's sample was 396 adults, of whom 75.9% were women.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/why-people-troll" ], "support": [ { "quote": "we gathered a sample of 396 adults (75.9% women and 24.10% men)", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "march-2016-conversation", "title": "Don't feed the trolls really is good advice - here's the evidence", "publisher": "The Conversation", "kind": "journalism", "url": "https://theconversation.com/dont-feed-the-trolls-really-is-good-advice-heres-the-evidence-63657", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260410010113/https://theconversation.com/dont-feed-the-trolls-really-is-good-advice-heres-the-evidence-63657", "archive_sha256": "9e3f616528f2a2e88c86baa8d950384a0ed401333c9172fb9637455605532c50" } } ] }, { "key": "derailment-modelled-as-conversation-property", "text": "The paper models derailment as an emerging property of a conversation rather than as an isolated utterance-level event.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/how-conversations-turn-toxic" ], "support": [ { "quote": "modeling derailment as an emerging property of a conversation rather than as an isolated utterance-level event", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-arxiv-derailment", "title": "Trouble on the Horizon: Forecasting the Derailment of Online Conversations as they Develop", "publisher": "EMNLP-IJCNLP 2019 (arXiv:1909.01362)", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260216131241/https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_sha256": "6d65429bd8c832540995aeb6ca9384be6b09e56870f36b4ed2a76f2978749405" } } ] }, { "key": "derailment-prior-work-after-the-fact", "text": "The authors describe earlier efforts as detecting antisocial behaviour after the fact, by analysing single comments in isolation.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/how-conversations-turn-toxic" ], "support": [ { "quote": "recent efforts mostly focused on detecting antisocial behavior after the fact, by analyzing single comments in isolation", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-arxiv-derailment", "title": "Trouble on the Horizon: Forecasting the Derailment of Online Conversations as they Develop", "publisher": "EMNLP-IJCNLP 2019 (arXiv:1909.01362)", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260216131241/https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_sha256": "6d65429bd8c832540995aeb6ca9384be6b09e56870f36b4ed2a76f2978749405" } } ] }, { "key": "derailment-preemptive-notice-for-moderators", "text": "The stated purpose is to give human moderators notice before a conversation turns toxic rather than after.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/how-conversations-turn-toxic" ], "support": [ { "quote": "to provide more timely notice to human moderators, a system needs to preemptively detect that a conversation is heading towards derailment before it actually turns toxic", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-arxiv-derailment", "title": "Trouble on the Horizon: Forecasting the Derailment of Online Conversations as they Develop", "publisher": "EMNLP-IJCNLP 2019 (arXiv:1909.01362)", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260216131241/https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_sha256": "6d65429bd8c832540995aeb6ca9384be6b09e56870f36b4ed2a76f2978749405" } } ] }, { "key": "derailment-flow-not-individual-comments", "text": "Because conversations are dynamic, the authors argue a forecasting model has to capture the flow of the discussion rather than properties of individual comments.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/how-conversations-turn-toxic" ], "support": [ { "quote": "since conversations are dynamic, a forecasting model needs to capture the flow of the discussion, rather than properties of individual comments", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-arxiv-derailment", "title": "Trouble on the Horizon: Forecasting the Derailment of Online Conversations as they Develop", "publisher": "EMNLP-IJCNLP 2019 (arXiv:1909.01362)", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260216131241/https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_sha256": "6d65429bd8c832540995aeb6ca9384be6b09e56870f36b4ed2a76f2978749405" } } ] }, { "key": "derailment-unknown-horizon", "text": "The authors note that real conversations have an unknown horizon: they can end or derail at any time.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/how-conversations-turn-toxic" ], "support": [ { "quote": "real conversations have an unknown horizon: they can end or derail at any time", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-arxiv-derailment", "title": "Trouble on the Horizon: Forecasting the Derailment of Online Conversations as they Develop", "publisher": "EMNLP-IJCNLP 2019 (arXiv:1909.01362)", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260216131241/https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_sha256": "6d65429bd8c832540995aeb6ca9384be6b09e56870f36b4ed2a76f2978749405" } } ] }, { "key": "derailment-outperforms-prior-systems", "text": "Applied to two new datasets of online conversations labelled for antisocial events, the model outperformed state-of-the-art systems at forecasting derailment.", "evidence_grade": "single_study", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/how-conversations-turn-toxic" ], "support": [ { "quote": "by applying this model to two new diverse datasets of online conversations with labels for antisocial events, we show that it outperforms state-of-the-art systems at forecasting derailment", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-arxiv-derailment", "title": "Trouble on the Horizon: Forecasting the Derailment of Online Conversations as they Develop", "publisher": "EMNLP-IJCNLP 2019 (arXiv:1909.01362)", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260216131241/https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_sha256": "6d65429bd8c832540995aeb6ca9384be6b09e56870f36b4ed2a76f2978749405" } } ] }, { "key": "derailment-shared-author-with-cheng", "text": "Cristian Danescu-Niculescu-Mizil is an author on both this paper and the Cheng study of what triggers trolling.", "evidence_grade": "expert_consensus", "cited_on": [ "https://dontfeedthetrolls.com/psychology/how-conversations-turn-toxic" ], "support": [ { "quote": "jonathan p. chang , cristian danescu-niculescu-mizil", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "b02-arxiv-derailment", "title": "Trouble on the Horizon: Forecasting the Derailment of Online Conversations as they Develop", "publisher": "EMNLP-IJCNLP 2019 (arXiv:1909.01362)", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260216131241/https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.01362", "archive_sha256": "6d65429bd8c832540995aeb6ca9384be6b09e56870f36b4ed2a76f2978749405" } }, { "quote": "justin cheng, michael bernstein, cristian danescu-niculescu-mizil, jure leskovec", "locator": null, "source": { "key": "cheng-2017-anyone-troll", "title": "Anyone Can Become a Troll: Causes of Trolling Behavior in Online Discussions", "publisher": "CSCW 2017", "kind": "peer_reviewed", "url": "https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250124015644/https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~cristian/Anyone_can_become_a_troll.html", "archive_sha256": "629bee5ae98971453d7fd4a4fa4665e3da9f344ad2371c92122aec8df3706a52" } } ] } ] }