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Tech & The Web

I’ve Been Blocked By My First Bluesky Troll

A silhouetted person in a hoodie representing a hacker or internet troll123RF

No social media platform is immune from people who don’t know how to behave. A Bluesky troll just demonstrated that.

Some people might think of being blocked by a “bad actor” on a social media platform to be an accomplishment. I don’t. But I just encountered a Bluesky troll, which reminds me that they’re out there no matter how otherwise pleasant a social platform may feel.

I posted a link to coverage of the California wildfires that have decimated the Pacific Palisades area. The link happened to be from The Washington Post. One person I followed (and I think he followed me as well), responded.

His comment had nothing to do with the fire. He decided to attack the paper itself and its owner donating money to the Trump inauguration and stifling a column that was anti-Trump. He referred to the paper with a profane word.

“I wouldn’t click that link if you paid me, mate,” he said to end his comment. Mate? OK.

I don’t like off-topic posts. This is about a tragedy affecting thousands of people. People have died in the fires. While I understand the political resentment, this post was about something bigger.

I responded: “Then feel free to scroll on by, mate.”

No one is forcing anyone to click on a link they don’t wish to read. You shouldn’t have to tell an adult that scrolling is an option.

He invited me to unfollow him. I didn’t. I genuinely believe that two people do not have to agree just to be able to follow each other. In fact, I also think it’s good to hear opposing viewpoints.

He then said he didn’t like my attitude. I nearly spilled my coffee on that one. Suddenly, I felt a flashback to middle school. I reminded him that he’s the one who came at me with attitude. I told him I merely responded in kind.

So he blocked me.

If he has a problem with my attitude, he should take a long look in the mirrror.

A new platform won’t make people behave better

I’ve heard several people claim that Bluesky is nicer than X. Likewise, people say X became more mean-spirited in the past couple of years.

But for those who moved away from X for greener pastures, those greener pastures still have their share of manure you’ll have to avoid stepping in.

I noted, just before this guy blocked me, something I found very amusing in his profile. He claims that he’s working on self-improvement and tries to “lift people up.” He also included what appeared to be an invitation to point out when he needs to be “called out” on something. (My words, not his.)

Maybe someone hacked his account to write that profile for him. Clearly, he doesn’t seem interested in lifting up anyone.

As for calling one out, he seems like the type who prefers to dish it out and not take it.

I would say he needs to reevaluate his profile. I wish him the best. If that’s how he chooses to behave, it’s just as well that he decided to block me. I doubt if we’d ever have gotten along if he’s looking that hard for a fight or something by which he can take offense.

the authorPatrick
Patrick is a Christian with more than 30 years experience in professional writing, producing and marketing. His professional background also includes social media, reporting for broadcast television and the web, directing, videography and photography. He enjoys getting to know people over coffee and spending time with his dog.
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