Surviving the Medium’s Hateful Comment Section: An Inside Look

Navigating the underbelly of Medium: Handling the trolls and haters with style

Ever had one of those days where you’re sipping your coffee, scrolling through the comments on your latest Medium article, and you find that person? You know the one I’m talking about. The one who seems to have a Ph.D. in bitterness, spewing insults about your heritage, your advocacy, or perhaps your lifestyle. Ah yes, the infamous troll.

Firstly, let me just say this — the Internet can be like a big, beautiful city. It’s vast, it’s vibrant, and it’s filled to the brim with knowledge. But, like any big city, it’s also got its fair share of dark alleys and sketchy corners. And sometimes, those dark alleys find their way into the comment section of your Medium articles.

How should you respond? There are a bunch of options. You could get mad, shout back, and let the frustration ruin your day. You could hide, deleting the comments and pretending like it never happened. But that’s not how we roll here, is it? No, we’re going to talk about the middle path — how to handle these Internet trolls with the kind of sass, intellect, and wit that would make Shakespeare say, “Damn, they’ve got style!”

1. Know Your Troll

First up, get to know your troll. Not every troll is the same. They’re like the stars in the sky — each one unique, burning with a different level of intense negativity. Some are just harmless jesters, looking for a quick laugh. Others, though, they’re more malicious, out to cause harm with their words. The trick is figuring out which is which. Your reply, if you decide to give one, should fit the troll.

2. The Art of the Sass

Let’s be honest, there’s a certain thrill to delivering a clever, sassy response to a troll. It’s like being the superhero of your own digital universe. It’s your Batman moment, minus the bat suit and billionaire status, obviously. Remember, it’s not about being rude or nasty, it’s about disarming their negativity with a sharp, witty retort.

Take it from me; as someone who’s been called everything from a ‘snowflake’ to a ‘liberal cuck,’ I’ve had to learn the art of the sass. It’s not about turning into them — it’s about finding humor in the face of their attempts to make you feel small.

3. The Intellectual Standoff

Some trolls, however, might require a more cerebral approach. These are the ones who disguise their vitriol behind big words and fancy arguments. Don’t be intimidated. Their goal is to belittle you, to make you feel small. But you’re not small. You’re a writer, a warrior of words, and it’s time to pick up your sword.

The key here is to remain factual and calm. Don’t let their negativity pull you down into the mud. Instead, reply with logical, well-researched points that counter their argument. Take this as an opportunity to educate, not only the troll but also any reader who might stumble upon the conversation later.

4. The Block and Report Technique

When all else fails, when you’ve tried being sassy, you’ve tried being factual, but the troll is just not getting the memo, then it’s time for a classic move: block and report. Just like squishing a mosquito that’s been buzzing in your ear all night. There’s something immensely satisfying about it.

Medium does a pretty good job of giving us tools to manage who can comment on our articles. Don’t feel bad about using them. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of self-respect. Your space on Medium is yours to curate.

5. The Art of Avoidance

Now, let’s move on to another strategy: avoidance. Sometimes, the best response to a troll is no response at all. The main thing to remember here is that trolls thrive on reactions. It’s like a weird kind of Internet photosynthesis. They toss out their bitter, insulting comments, and then they soak up the reactions like a sunflower on a sunny day.

I’ll tell you a little secret — they absolutely hate being ignored.

See, the thing is, when you ignore a troll, you’re denying them what they crave the most — attention. It’s like inviting someone to a party and then promptly ignoring them the whole night. It’s a power move. You’re reclaiming your space, your voice, and your control over the conversation.

Now, I know what you’re thinking — “Isn’t ignoring the problem just letting them win?” Well, let me flip that question on its head. Isn’t giving them the reaction they’re so desperate for, letting them win?

Avoidance, my friends, is an art. It’s a dance, where you’re constantly shifting, constantly moving, never letting them catch you in their crosshairs. You’re not running away, you’re just choosing not to engage in their negativity. And, in my experience, it works wonders. The troll eventually gets bored, realizes they’re not getting what they want, and moves on. And you, my friend, you get the last laugh.

6. The Power of Blocking

Blocking, oh the sweet, sweet satisfaction of hitting that block button. It’s like the cherry on top of your ‘troll handling’ sundae. Blocking is a fantastic tool that social platforms have provided us, and it can be your best friend when dealing with particularly persistent trolls.

There’s this misguided notion out there that blocking someone is somehow an act of cowardice. I wholeheartedly disagree. Blocking is not about fear; it’s about respect. Respect for yourself, for your mental health, and for the integrity of your digital space.

When you block a troll, you’re sending them a clear message — “You don’t get to be here. You don’t get to disrespect me or my space.” It’s like kicking out a rude guest from your party. They’ve overstepped their welcome, and it’s time for them to go.

In my experience, blocking has been a powerful tool in maintaining a positive, respectful space on Medium. The haters might see it as a victory, but let them. In the grand scheme of things, they’re just a blip on your radar, a tiny speed bump on your journey. And you, my friend, you have bigger, better things to focus on.

Dealing with trolls can be frustrating, no doubt. It’s like dealing with a band of unruly cats — you never quite know what you’re going to get. But, remember this: your voice, your words, they have power. And no troll, no matter how persistent, can take that away from you. The next time you find a troll lurking in your comments, remember these tips. Handle it with grace, handle it with humor, and most of all, handle it with the strength that defines you as a writer and as an individual. The underbelly of the internet can be a dark place, but with the right attitude, we can shine a light on it.