feed the troll
Reward online antagonists
To feed the troll is to respond to someone who posts inflammatory or provocative content online specifically to provoke reactions.
The phrase implies that engaging with such provocations only encourages more trolling—like feeding a creature that thrives on attention.
The standard advice is don't feed the troll, meaning ignore the provocation rather than dignify it with a response.
- baitingDeliberately trying to provoke
- rage baitContent meant to anger
- schadenfreudeDelight in others' misfortune
- provocationAct that triggers response
- de-escalationReducing conflict intensity
bad faith argument · sockpuppet · antagonism · keyboard warrior · attention-seeking · flame war · online harassment · meme culture · validation · moderation · digital literacy · ignoring · disengagement · blocking · cyberbullying · lurking · impulsivity · anonymity