We have added a clarification to rule number one in the sidebar: “Do not respond to rule-breaking content; report it and move on.”
Research shows that disengaging from antisocial behavior is the best way to minimize and eliminate it. It is also the best choice for personal mental health. Lemmy provides a functionality to “block” (mute) users who are not contributing to your positive experience of the platform. In addition to reporting (and not responding to) rule breaking content, the community mods encourage you to use Lemmy’s tools to curate the best, most healthful experience. Enjoy!
Rule 1: Be Civil
Attack the argument, not the person. No racism/sexism/bigotry. Good faith argumentation only. This includes accusing another user of being a bot or paid actor. Trolling is uncivil and is grounds for removal and/or a community ban. Do not respond to rule-breaking content; report it and move on.
I remember reading something years ago about an ex troll, he said he’d do it because getting attention, even negative attention, made him feel happy. I honestly think half the time they’re just depressed and don’t know to elicit positive interaction.
I don’t know exactly what to do with this knowledge, btw.
Humans might best work together to create a society which establishes a level of decency for all living beings, so that as many people as possible have a chance of their (reasonable and fulfillable) needs being met.
I am not sure that this is something that humanity is currently working towards.
I am not sure that this is something that humanity as a whole is capable of. I think there are way too many people with inherent selfishness. Selfishness can be taught, but it isn’t always. I certainly have met some very selfish people who come from very generous parents.
Then there’s sociopaths and psychopaths.
And, of course, there are also naturally aggressive people. They may even have a testosterone issue.
I don’t know what to do about such people. They work against societies like that, but they don’t necessarily do anything illegal, so locking them up is not a solution.