From Reply Guy to Troll: How Being Contrarian Can Spark Dialogue and Engagement

When we think of trolls, we often conjure up images of internet bullies and troublemakers. However, being the troll can actually be a fun and productive hobby, as it allows us to spark dialogue, engage with others on social media, and even speak the truth in a cheeky and contrarian way. In fact, being the troll is like being a reply guy, but better, as it takes more intellectual effort and has the potential to generate more engagement and conversation.

don’t just be a reply guy — be a troll (source https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rumjahn_be-a-reply-guygal-theres-a-term-on-crypto-activity-7090164504625348608-I5h9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios)

Why? Well, there is a hierarchy of internet replies:

• First level is liking

→If you see LinkedIn or twitter, it’s the basic thumbs up

• Second level is whatever option is more involved than liking

→ If you’re on LinkedIn, you can spend a bit more time and laugh or heart

• Third level is a response to the tweet/thread

→ Then you can come up with something similar to what was said, or a personal experience in line with what is being said

→ But that’s just rolling with the general topic or line

• Trolling level is a whole level

→ Intellectually even harder

→ I take the response and come up with something contrarian

→ And timely, as it should involve current news or a reference generally well understood by all

→ And finally cheeky, as it should be funny

Now that you’re inching away from the skeptical corner, here are a few more reasons why trolling is good. For starters, it’s fun. It allows us to inject a bit of humor and levity into our social media interactions, and it can help us connect with others who share our sense of humor or contrarian views. Additionally, being the troll can spark dialogue and encourage others to think critically about the topics we’re discussing. It can challenge people’s assumptions and help them see things from a different perspective.

Another benefit of being the troll is that it can help with our trollee’s social media engagement. When we engage with someone’s social media posts, it shows up as engagement for the algorithm, which can help boost their visibility and reach. Additionally, sparking conversation and debate in the comments section can help keep the thread active and engaging, which can lead to more followers and engagement in the long run.

nothing’s for free in life

Now, being the troll is not the same as being a bully or a jerk. It’s important to keep things light-hearted and playful, and to avoid attacking or belittling others. There are levels to being a reply guy, and being the troll takes more intellectual effort than simply liking or commenting on someone’s post. It requires us to come up with a clever, cheeky, and contrarian response that adds value to the conversation and sparks engagement. It also is super helpful to actually know the trollee in real life, so that there is no misunderstanding or bad feelings.

So go ahead, find someone and be their troll. It can be a fun and productive hobby that allows us to engage with others, challenge assumptions, and inject humor and levity into our social media interactions. Just remember to keep things light-hearted and playful, and to avoid attacking or belittling others.

I certify that no trolls were harmed in the making of this article. And whoever wants to be a victim, let me know!