Playing Games or Being Trolled? The Foreigner's Experience
Games are exciting and entertaining, but they can also be a source of frustration and disappointment, especially when you are a foreigner playing with a different culture. In this article, we will talk about the phenomenon of trolling in online games and how foreign players perceive and react to it.
The Definition and Forms of Trolling
Trolling is a term used to describe a deliberate and offensive behavior aimed at annoying, provoking, or upsetting other players. Trolls can use various tactics, such as spamming the chat, griefing, exploiting glitches, cheating, or simply being abusive and toxic. The goal of trolling is not to win the game but to disrupt the gameplay and the social dynamics of the community.
Some common forms of trolling include:
- Insults and slurs
- Mockery and sarcasm
- Team-killing and sabotaging
- False information and misinformation
- Harassment and stalking
The Impact and Responses of Trolling
Trolling can have different effects on different players, depending on their personality, experience, and expectations. For some players, trolling can be a challenge to overcome and a chance to improve their skills and resilience. For others, trolling can be a trigger for anger, sadness, or anxiety, and a reason to quit or retaliate.
Foreign players, in particular, may face additional difficulties when dealing with trolling, as they have to cope with cultural and linguistic barriers. Some foreign players may be unfamiliar with the rules, norms, and customs of the game's community, which can make them more vulnerable to trolling. Others may struggle to express themselves or understand the messages of the trolls, which can lead to miscommunication and escalation.
However, foreign players can also find ways to adapt and cope with trolling, by using various strategies, such as:
- Ignoring the trolls and focusing on the game
- Reporting the trolls to the moderators or admins
- Seeking help and support from friendly players or groups
- Learning from the trolls and improving their gameplay
- Creating their own community of foreign players and sharing their experiences
The Ethics and Solutions of Trolling
Trolling is a controversial and complex issue, as it raises questions about the freedom of expression, the limits of humor, and the responsibility of the players and the developers. Some argue that trolling is a harmless and creative form of satire and entertainment, and that players should learn to take it lightly and not to take it personally. Others argue that trolling is a harmful and destructive form of harassment and bullying, and that players have the right to enjoy the game without being targeted or harmed.
As for solutions, there is no easy or one-size-fits-all answer to how to deal with trolling, as it depends on the context, the community, and the goals of the game. However, some possible strategies include:
- Establishing clear rules and guidelines for behavior and moderation
- Encouraging and rewarding positive and respectful behavior
- Empowering players to report and block trolls, and punishing them accordingly
- Creating alternative modes or servers for players with different preferences or needs
- Providing education and resources for players and moderators on how to recognize, prevent, and respond to trolling
In conclusion, trolling is a reality that every player may encounter, either as a victim or as a perpetrator. However, trolling is not a fate that cannot be changed or avoided, as players have the power to shape the games they play and the communities they belong to. By respecting each other's differences and values, and by working together towards a common goal of fun and challenge, players can make the games a better and happier place for everyone.
