Read on Twitter
Bots are not that difficult to spot but if you're unsure this guide gives some tips on how to identify them https://chrismakara.com/social-media/11-easy-ways-to-spot-a-fake-twitter-account/
They are out in force currently. If you see one, don't give them oxygen/engage but do report them as a fake/spam account.
They are out in force currently. If you see one, don't give them oxygen/engage but do report them as a fake/spam account.
Also there are plenty of people who may or may not be bots engaging in racist, threatening and hateful responses to stories, people and tweets. If you spot them, report them for abuse.
After reporting, mute or block them. If you need to collect evidence, take screenshots.
Don't RT them or engage, it just gives them energy and attention.
DO NOT share what they're saying with those they're trying to target unless you fear said person is in danger.
Don't RT them or engage, it just gives them energy and attention.
DO NOT share what they're saying with those they're trying to target unless you fear said person is in danger.
Also be alert to those seeking to derail conversations, make it all about them when it's nothing to do with them, see 'both sides' when there are no 'both sides' to see, or who are otherwise trying to discredit key problems, and evidence of injustices and harms.
Those people may not be reportable if they aren't a fake account and aren't making threats. But they are still harmful and you may want to ratio them lower down replies to a popular tweet. Or if they are part of your offline networks and you can tackle or remove them, do that.
Be aware if you're trying to share evidence, information, or are attempting to mobilise and organise that a counter tactic will be to distract you or your followers and/or try and exhaust you/take up your time with other things. You don't have to respond to anyone,keep your focus
Also if you note someone is trying to share a key message and others are trying to derail it,don't copy in the original person if you take on the derailer. All you'll do is make more work for the original person. If you must engage, tackle the problem person separately/alone.
Here's Twitter's guide on reporting abusive behaviour https://help.twitter.com/en/safety-and-security/report-abusive-behavior If you believe someone's engaging in targeted harassment it would help victims if you took screenshots, it's horrible to have to keep track of your own abuse.
Check your energy and effectiveness. It's very easy to get tied up with arguments designed to go nowhere. You might not be aware that's the strategy but the person engaging you does. If you're arguing with them on Twitter you can't get other more important work/activism done.
If you're getting a lot of irrelevant, unkind or threatening responses you either lock down your account. Or go to settings and privacy > privacy and safety, then close your DMs. Next go to Content Preferences > Advanced filters and tick new account, default photo, no email/phone
There are other advanced filters to add if you want to limit who contacts you further. If you needed to see if people were messaging you then get a friend to see who's @-ing you or log out and check. You can search your own handle and you can see if unblocked people are replying
It is also fine to log off social media and care for yourself. You don't have to be consuming distressing content for hours at a time. It doesn't help your mental health. And if you're needed elsewhere it saps your energy. Again, be strategic, be smart, but keep yourself safe.
Although I said upthread about ignoring bots/trolls and not engaging there's a caveat. If you've a large following and someone's talking nonsense you can challenge to make a bigger point/impact, then this strategy may be effective (if you have the time/energy/feel safe enough).
Ultimately dealing with tools on Twitter isn't about them or whoever/whatever they're working for. It's about you. Your time, your wellbeing, your safety, your health, your dignity. There are many ways to fight. Quietly or loudly. Obviously or stealthily. Pick your battles.
