Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Trolling (Online)” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Trolling
1. What is online trolling?
2. Can you give an example of a trolling comment?
3. Why do people troll others online?
4. Is trolling always meant to be harmful?
5. How can you tell if someone is trolling?

II. The Impact of Trolling
6. How does trolling affect people on the internet?
7. Can trolling cause real emotional harm?
8. Do you think trolling has any impact on online communities?
9. How do social media platforms handle trolling?
10. Have you or someone you know ever been affected by trolling?

III. Trolling vs. Freedom of Speech
11. Is trolling considered a form of free speech?
12. Should there be limits on what can be said online to prevent trolling?
13. How can we balance the right to free speech with the need to prevent harm caused by trolling?
14. Do you think internet platforms should censor trolls?
15. Where should we draw the line between trolling and expressing an unpopular opinion?

IV. Dealing with Trolls
16. What are some effective ways to deal with trolls?
17. Should you ignore trolls or confront them?
18. Can blocking or reporting trolls be an effective solution?
19. How can online communities work together to discourage trolling?
20. Have you ever successfully dealt with a troll? How?

V. The Psychology Behind Trolling
21. What motivates a person to become a troll?
22. Is there a typical profile of a person who trolls?
23. How does anonymity contribute to trolling?
24. Can trolling be a sign of underlying psychological issues?
25. Do you think trolls are aware of the harm they cause?

VI. Trolling in Different Contexts
26. Does trolling occur more in certain online spaces than others?
27. How does trolling differ between social media platforms, forums, and comment sections?
28. Can trolling be used for positive purposes, such as satire or social commentary?
29. How do public figures and celebrities deal with trolling?
30. Are there any famous incidents of trolling that had a significant impact?

VII. Legal and Ethical Considerations
31. Are there any laws against trolling in your country?
32. Should trolling be considered a crime?
33. How do different countries handle the issue of online trolling?
34. What are the ethical considerations in combating trolling?
35. Can anti-trolling measures infringe on personal freedoms?

VIII. Trolling and Cyberbullying
36. What is the difference between trolling and cyberbullying?
37. Can trolling escalate into cyberbullying?
38. How should schools and parents address trolling and cyberbullying among young people?
39. What are the long-term effects of cyberbullying on victims?
40. How can victims of trolling and cyberbullying seek help?

IX. Preventing Trolling
41. What steps can individuals take to prevent becoming victims of trolling?
42. How can internet platforms better prevent trolling?
43. Is it possible to create an online space free from trolling?
44. What role do moderators play in preventing trolling?
45. Can education about internet etiquette reduce trolling?

X. The Future of Trolling
46. Do you think trolling will become more or less common in the future?
47. How might advancements in technology affect trolling?
48. Can artificial intelligence be used to detect and prevent trolling?
49. What future challenges do you foresee in the fight against trolling?
50. How can we foster a more positive and respectful online environment to counteract trolling?

XI. Personal Experiences with Trolling
51. Have you ever encountered a troll online? What happened?
52. How did you feel after experiencing or witnessing trolling?
53. Did the experience of trolling change how you interact online?
54. What advice would you give to someone dealing with trolls?
55. Do you think your perception of trolling has changed over time?

XII. Discussion on Trolling Strategies
56. Why do some trolling campaigns go viral?
57. Can public awareness campaigns effectively reduce trolling?
58. How do trolls exploit social media algorithms?
59. What is the role of humor in trolling?
60. Should internet users be taught how to recognize and respond to trolling?