The internet is a place where people can find anything they need, from social media to personal blogs, and much more. However, not everyone on the internet is friendly. Some of these people as known as internet trolls, or cyberbullies. They are often mean people behind screens looking to ruin someone's day. If you come across these people, here's how to deal with them.
Taking Immediate Action
Report the user.
Some sites or apps have a way to report a user and throw them out of the website. This is a way to ensure that the issue is being looked into by the makers and moderators of the site or app.
- Make sure to tell the user that you are reporting them. This will get them shaken up and most likely stay away from you.
Block the user.
Most apps should have a way to block other users. This means that you will no longer receive messages, see or interact with these users anywhere on the platform. This doesn’t mean that they are completely gone from the website or app, it just means they can stop bothering you and you only.
Message a moderator of the platform.
Maybe reporting the person doesn’t get through, or the user makes multiple accounts after being blocked. In this case, message a moderator. These are the security guards of the app or website. Message them to warn them about this user. They will take matters into their hands. Here’s some example messages:
- “Hey ________ is sending some _______ to me. I don’t like it. Please do something about it.”
- “Hello __________ is cyber-bullying me and _________ on all my ______. Please ban this user.”
- “Please warn ______ to leave me alone.”
Taking Peaceful Actions
Ignore the user.
If you don’t wanna be too harsh on the user, ignore them. Try not to open any of their messages and comments on your posts. It can be hard to do this, but the more you do it the more you’ll get used to it.
Create a new account.
Creating a new and fresh account will separate you from the users and cyberbullies. Though this isn’t the best choice for apps if you made a lot of progress in your original account.
Message the user.
Sometimes being straight up to the user is the best choice. Some apps and websites allow you to message users. Here are some example sentences if you want to use this:
- “Hello. I’ve noticed that you’ve been ________. I’m gonna politely tell you to stop or I will report/block you.”
- “Stop ______ or I will report/block you.”
- “You’re making me feel ______. Please stop.”
- “What’s your deal? Please stop.”
Take a break.
If you don’t want to throw all your hard work away, take a break for a week or longer. Also, make it clear to your viewers or followers so the mean user can know and won’t bother you again.
Leave the app/website.
To make it all stop altogether, leave the app or website. Maybe you were just on the app/website to be there, or you’re not interested anymore. If you leave, you will never have to worry about it again.