Are Cyber-trolls and Cyber-Bullies the same thing?

I was thinking about going to bed after moderating my Flickr Groups, but something has inspired me to write this particular blog article. I wish to inform, but I also wish to discuss this important topic.

The subject for this evening is cyber-trolls, and whether or not they can be classified as another type of cyber-bully. I present the following information I have found, so that you can read and draw your own conclusions:

First of all,
What is a cyber-troll?

A Cyber troll is someone who posts a comment in a discussion forum that is either inappropriate or controversial, with the intent on causing confrontation and heated arguments. (www.topix.com and enzinearticles.com).

What do cyber-trolls do?
Like Cyber-bullies, there are different kinds of cyber-trolls, as reported in www.theadminezone.com. Here are only a few that I have chosen to list here:

Shock Patroll: These kind of trolls target discussion forums that are usually used by women and small children (but they do not necessarily limit themselves to that). Often they will send out "distress signals" to get people's sympathy and attention. This kind of emotional manipulation leaves the person who responds to their "distress signal vulnerable" to their attacks.

Master of Illusion: These kind try to make themselves appear to be very trustworthy by their interactions towards their new-found "friends", but in reality they are trying to lull them into a false sense of security:

The Master of Illusion does have a motive. He is looking for personal gain. Either, money for a “sick mother,” or some personal form of satisfaction from manipulation techniques he employs. Perhaps he is searching for those he considers “beneath him,” so he can effectively saw their souls in half with the stroke of a few keys.
(Taken directly from the website.)

The Combat/Ready-to-roll kind: These kind put up a fight and often target admins and moderators of a discussion forum, with the motivation of getting the admins and moderators to start thinking their way. This is especially found in cases where the forum has a stated position.

The Hit-and-run Troll: Like the Master of Illusions, these type of cyber-trolls appear nice at first, then cause the damage they want to cause and quickly exit the scene before anybody can do anything about it.

The Tonya Harding Troll: The Tonya Harding Troll tries to justify his inappropriate behaviour, adament that he is definitely "playing by the rules."

The Toddler Troll: causes major problems when he/she is being ignoredor he/she is not getting his/her own way.

The Alien Troll: shares things that are completely irrelevant and off the topic, usually inappropriate stories.

Of course, there are cyber-trolls who display one or more of these characteristics, so it is would not be accurate to label a cyber-troll to simply one category.

How is this all in relation to cyber-bullying?
One definition of cyber-bullying is the following:
Cyber bullying is the use of modern communication technologies to embarrass, humiliate, threaten, or intimidate an individual in the attempt to gain power and control over them.” (Glenn R. Stutzky)
Bullying is all about power, the imbalance and abuse of power.
(taken from www.ippsr.msu.edu)

From what I have been reading so far, the common thread that links cyber bullies and cyber trolls together is the need for control and power. They want to gain enough power so as to be able to abuse and intimidate other online users.

What can I do when I am confronted with a cyber-troll?
With all the examples that "The Admin Zone" gives, the best methods for handling a cyber-troll is to ignore, delete, or ban the troll from the discussion forum.

If you are an admin for a discussion forum, observe very closely the social interactions that are happening between members of the forum. If you feel somebody is acting suspicious or who are displaying some of the characteristics already mentioned, kindly warn that person of their behaviour. If they continue with the inappropriate behaviour, it is important that you maintain the safety of all other group members who are doing the right thing by banning and blocking that member.

If you are not an admin of a discussion forum, yet you see a troll creeping in, it is important that you contact the admin of that forum IMMEDIATELY and report to him/her about the troll's behaviour.

I re-iterate the importance of the right for all online users to feel safe when socializing on the net, and urge all admins/members of discussion forums to take care when dealing with cyber-trolls/cyber-bullies.

References:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dont-Feed-The-Trolls---Dealing-with-Cyber-harassment-&id=230627

http://www.topix.com/forum/afam/T4E5UM596TS73G03H

http://www.sparkplugging.com/sparkplug-ceo/when-trolls-flame-wars-and-cyber-rage-go-too-far/

http://www.petitiononline.com/helpfurs/petition.html

http://www.theadminzone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19881

http://www.ippsr.msu.edu/Documents/Forums/2006_Mar_CYBER_BULLYING_INFORMATION_2006%20--%20Provided%20by%20Mr.%20Glenn%20Stutzky.pdf