Greetings STARFLEET,

Today’s post is all about concern. Usually, showing concern is a positive thing, and we want to show it. For example, when a shipmate experiences a life event, showing concern and offering comfort is normal.

However, what’s referred to as concern trolling is a problem. Concern trolling is expressing concern about something in a way that undermines or derails the person or discussion. It’s become increasingly common both on and offline.

Typically, concern trolling is deliberate. However, it’s also possible to do it accidentally, especially as more meetings and interactions move online. There are many ways it can manifest, and some of them look like standard conversation points.

Some concern trolling occurs around when people who oppose an ideology visit the spaces of the opposed ideology. They propose solutions to problems that do not exist or continue to try to move the discussion to an already disproven talking point.

While the above is unlikely to happen in STARFLEET, some concern trolling actions are likely. For example, tone policing does occur in chats. Tone policing is the practice of criticizing how someone expresses a point of view. It’s the view that an opinion is only valid if it is said without anger or emotion.

Playing the devil’s advocate in situations where not requested can also be concern trolling. It’s someone playing the if we do x, this dreadful thing y may happen card. Often this undermines whatever idea is on the table. Equality initiatives and change forums are frequent targets.

Concern trolling is also often used to target specific people. For example, someone might tell an advocate she needs to lose weight rather than addressing her argument. This action gives the troll a measure of personal control over the original poster.

These tactics are common online and may enter a discussion at any point. By understanding the tactics and what their consequences are, we can all be part of the solutions. Pointing out, reporting, interrupting, and not feeding the trolls are all best practices.

Let’s protect our community, STARFLEET.