Cyberbullying is essentially the result of handing a toddler a megaphone and complete anonymity. In the real world, if you’re a jerk, you might just get punched in the nose but on the Internet? Well, you might just get "engagement."

‍

The Starter Pack of Digital Jerk-ishness

• The "Just Kidding" Gaslighter: This is the type of jerk who posts something cruelly mean-spirited, then comments on it with "lol stay mad" or "it’s just a joke" when people call him/her out on it. We all clearly know that, It wasn't just a joke.
• The Screenshots-as-Weaponry: This is the type of jerk who takes a private rant and broadcasts it to the world for all to see and context is apparently for losers.
• The Keyboard Stalker: This is the type of jerk who doesn't just comment on your stuff, he/she finds your LinkedIn page, your mom's Pinterest page, and that embarrassing photo of you from 2014.
• The "Exclusion" Master: This is the type of jerk who creates a group chat to discuss the one person who isn't in the group chat. Groundbreaking maturity level here.

‍

Why Are People Like This? (The Science of Being a Tool)

Psychologists call it "Online Disinhibition." I call it "The Screen Shield." When you can't see the face crumple or the eyes well up with tears, it's difficult for your brain to comprehend that there is a human on the other end of the screen. It’s like playing a video game where the NPCs (Non-Player Characters) just so happen to have feelings and bank accounts. You feel ten feet tall and bulletproof with a backlit LED screen in front of you. Spoiler: you’re not.

‍

How to Handle an Online Troll 

If you’re unfortunate enough to have a troll aim their “hobby of being a nightmare” at you, here is how you survive:

The Move

Why It Works

The Screenshot

Receipts are forever. Save those screen captures before they realize they’ve messed up and hit “Delete.”

Don’t Feed the Trolls

Trolls feed on “reactions.” If you don’t give it a reaction, they starve to death metaphorically.

The Block Button

It is the most satisfying “No” in the world of ones and zeros. Use it liberally.

Go Outside

Seriously, go outside. The internet is not real life, and sunlight is nice on your face.

‍

A Note to the Bystanders

If you’re one of those people who “Likes” all the mean comments on a post for entertainment purposes, congratulations, you’re the hype-man for a bully.

Maybe instead of adding to the noise, you could send the poor guy a meme of a capybara in a hot tub. It sounds stupid, but knowing that at least one person on the internet isn’t a total bot helps a lot.

‍