Introduction
For years, the advice to “don’t feed the trolls” has been a go-to response for dealing with online harassment. However, as argued in an article by The Verge, this oversimplified approach fails to address the deeper issues surrounding trolling, especially for sex workers, who face disproportionate abuse.
Trolls don’t just seek attention—they aim to cause harm, intimidate, and perpetuate societal stigmas.
In this blog, we’ll explore common misconceptions about trolls, why sex workers are frequent targets, whether trolling happens within the community, and actionable steps to protect mental health and online safety.
Misconceptions About Trolls
The Verge article identifies four key misconceptions that perpetuate trolling culture, all of which apply to the unique challenges sex workers face online.
Nostalgia for a ‘Golden Age’ of Trolling
There’s a false belief that trolling used to be harmless, a form of playful provocation. However, trolling has always had harmful underpinnings, and for marginalised groups like sex workers, it has never been “just a joke.” What some might consider “lighthearted fun” often escalates into targeted harassment, threats, and doxxing.
The Perception That Trolling Is Harmless
Many dismiss trolling as inconsequential, assuming it doesn’t cause real harm. This view ignores the emotional, psychological, and even physical toll it takes on sex workers. Constant harassment can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, especially when trolling spills into real-life consequences like stalking or financial sabotage.
Misunderstanding Trolls’ Motivations
A common misconception is that trolls only seek attention and will stop if ignored. While this might apply to some, many trolls are motivated by malice, misogyny, or moral superiority. For sex workers, trolls often use harassment as a way to enforce societal stigma or punish those they see as defying “acceptable” behaviour.
The Myth of Ignoring as a Solution
The “ignore them and they’ll go away” mindset shifts the responsibility to the victim, asking them to endure abuse in silence. For sex workers, this advice is not only ineffective but also dangerous, as it allows trolls to escalate unchecked. Proactive measures, like robust moderation and advocacy for inclusive platform accountability, are more effective.
Why Are Sex Workers Targeted by Trolls?
Sex workers face trolling for several reasons, often rooted in societal bias and structural inequities. Here are some of the key factors:
Societal Stigma
Trolls exploit negative stereotypes about sex work, using moral or religious arguments to justify their abuse. The stigma around sex work makes it easier for trolls to rationalise their behaviour and harder for victims to gain support.
Visibility
The public-facing nature of sex work, particularly on platforms like OnlyFans, TikTok, or Twitter, makes sex workers easy targets. Trolls take advantage of this visibility to direct their harassment at individuals.
Power Dynamics
Trolls often target those they perceive as vulnerable or unable to fight back. The legal and social marginalisation of sex workers amplifies this power imbalance.
Misogyny and Moral Policing
As the article highlighted, trolling is often rooted in broader societal prejudices. For female and queer sex workers in particular, trolling is frequently driven by misogyny and homophobia.
Who Trolls Sex Workers?
Trolls targeting sex workers come from a range of backgrounds, but they share common motivations:
Moral Crusaders
These individuals believe they are “righteous” in harassing sex workers, often citing religious or societal norms to justify their behaviour.
SWERFS, Misogynists and Bigots
Many trolls are motivated by hatred of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, or other marginalised groups. They target sex workers as a way to exert control and degrade their identities.
Rival Sex Workers
While rarer, some trolling stems from competition within the industry. Jealousy over clients, followers, or perceived success can lead to harassment between sex workers.
Anarchic Trolls
These are the trolls who thrive on chaos. They don’t need a personal vendetta; they simply enjoy causing harm for its own sake.
Do Sex Workers Troll Each Other?
Yes, intra-community trolling does occur, though it is less common than external harassment. These incidents often stem from competition or perceived slights and can escalate quickly due to the high-pressure nature of the industry.
How to Address It:
- Focus on professionalism and avoid public conflicts.
- Build networks of mutual support and collaboration.
- Block or mute individuals who exhibit toxic behaviour, even if they are part of the community.
Minimising the Mental Health Impact of Trolling
Trolling can take a significant toll on mental health. Here are steps sex workers can take to protect their well-being:
Seek Professional Support
Therapy or counselling can provide tools to manage the stress and anxiety associated with trolling.
Limit Exposure
Reduce the amount of time spent reading or engaging with harmful comments. Use moderation tools to filter abusive messages.
Practice Self-Care
Engage in activities that help you recharge, such as meditation, journaling, or creative hobbies.
Find Your Tribe
Join supportive communities of sex workers where you can share experiences, advice, and emotional support.
Proactive Steps to Protect Yourself
Digital Security
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Keep personal and professional identities separate.
- Use a VPN to mask your location.
Moderation Tools
- Use filters to block certain keywords.
- Familiarise yourself with platform reporting tools.
- Hire content moderators if possible to manage your online presence.
Document Harassment
Keep detailed records of trolling incidents, including screenshots and timestamps. This documentation can be used to report trolls to platforms or law enforcement.
Advocate for Platform Accountability
Push for stronger community guidelines and enforcement mechanisms on platforms where sex workers operate.
Changing the Narrative
Ultimately, the fight against trolling must include addressing the systemic issues that enable it. This involves:
Education: Challenging stereotypes about sex work through public awareness campaigns.
Advocacy: Supporting sex worker-led organisations that push for legal protections and platform accountability.
Community: Encouraging allies to speak up against harassment and support sex workers’ rights.
Conclusion
The advice to “don’t feed the trolls” doesn’t work for sex workers, who face unique challenges in combating online harassment. By debunking misconceptions about trolls and taking proactive steps to protect their mental health and digital security, sex workers can create safer spaces for themselves and their communities.
The ultimate goal is systemic change—reducing the stigma around sex work and holding platforms accountable for protecting all users. By working together, sex workers can reclaim their online spaces and continue to thrive.
