Learning to Live with Trolls
When we hear the word ‘troll’ or ‘trolling’ it usually conjures up negative associations of bullying, misogyny, abuse, racism and hate. The prevalence of online bullying has become widespread over the last decade with sometimes deadly consequences. In this discussion Prof. Veer talks about the different types of trolling behaviours and trolls, what the potential motivations are behind these trolling behaviours, and ultimately, what we can do to combat harmful trolling. Yes, this implies that not all trolling is harmful and can, actually, be good for society. Some trolls are community builders and activists who leverage their platform and prominence to draw people together for a common, sometimes positive, cause. Conversely, there are trolls and trolling communities that are so invested into their ideology and behaviours that they may never be able to accept their behaviour is in any way destructive and harmful to others.
Bio
Ekant Veer is a Professor of Marketing in UC’s Department of Management, Marketing and Tourism. His research focuses on how marketing technologies and techniques can be used to understand and promote behaviour that is beneficial to individuals and society. He is a multi-award winning teacher and researcher, having been named in the Top 40 under 40 Business Professors worldwide in 2017, an Ako Aoteroa Tertiary Teaching Excellence award winner, UC Teaching medallist and five time UCSA Lecturer of the Year award winner.
Event
Tuesday 2 May, 7.30pm @Blue Smoke, 13 Garlands Road, Woolston 8023
Also speaking at this location at 6pm is Elsamari Botha
