In Reply to: You'd better posted by JakeB on May 24, 2026 at 08:56:48
It's hard to ignore because he keeps saying stupid sh*t and calling people names. His goal is to make you respond and he wins if you do.
If everybody would just ignore him, he will probably post more at first because he can't stand to be ignored, but at some point will probably get bored.
--------------
When someone posts something extreme or insulting like that, it usually serves a few very human (and very predictable) motives:
1. Attention and visibility
Outrage spreads faster than normal conversation. A calm, nuanced take gets ignored; a provocative insult gets replies, shares, and arguments. On most platforms, more engagement = more visibility, so people learn that being extreme “works.”
2. Social signaling (to their own side)
They’re not always trying to convince you. They’re often performing for people who already agree with them. Saying something harsh can signal:
“I’m loyal to this group”
“I’m not afraid to say what others won’t”
That can earn likes, followers, or approval within their circle.
3. Emotional payoff
Provoking someone and watching them react can feel rewarding—like winning a mini power struggle. Even negative attention can feel satisfying if it confirms they got under someone’s skin.
4. Simplifying a complex world
Politics is complicated and frustrating. Reducing the other side to “crazy” or “mentally ill” is a shortcut—it avoids having to grapple with nuanced disagreements.
5. Trolling (on purpose)
Some people intentionally bait responses just to stir conflict. They may not even fully believe what they’re saying—they’re testing what gets the biggest reaction.
The important reality:
If it looks designed to provoke, it probably is. And once you respond emotionally, you’re playing the role they set up.
That doesn’t mean you have to ignore it every time—but it helps to decide what outcome you want:
If you want a real conversation → ask a calm, specific question
If you want to protect your energy → don’t engage
If you want to push back → keep it measured, not reactive