Philosophy

https://medium.com/@max.p.schlienger/the-cargo-cult-of-the-ennui-engine-890c541cebcb is a really good read about that. e.g. Lemmy can be bad as well, even if to a significantly lesser degree.

Also while on Reddit I found myself becoming angrier, more combative in my argumentation, less empathetic and kind, etc. Trolls cause that effect - it's definitely no bueno. And sometimes literal teenagers can act like trolls, without even really meaning to or trying at it, just not thinking about it.

That was when I gave up my pride of being willing to listen to literally everyone - it's just flat not worth it, it is harmful to me, not helpful even for them, and perpetuates a cycle of negativity.

And Lemmy definitely requires a heavy hand on the block button, I have found!:-) But then after all that effort, in the midst of the noise, occasionally some worthwhile people and conversations can come through.

So don't be too afraid to block people here. I wouldn't do that for someone who is unintelligent, but I would most definitely do it for someone who consistently engages in trolling behavior, intelligent or no.