#endogenicsystems

Here are some important things to keep in mind when dealing with trolls:

Try not to get too angry or annoyed. Unfortunately, no matter who you are and what kind of system you may be, these things will happen, not because you’re endogenic, quoigenic, or whatever else, but because human beings can be jerks sometimes and will pick on things they don’t understand. It is healthy to express anger and vent out your frustration, but do not strike out at the group or individual attempting to upset you. This may become a source of amusement for them, and may drag you into further trouble. Keep a level head when talking to them, and if the conversation stresses you out too much excuse yourselves, or take a breather. 

Do not join groups solely dedicated to making fun of people like you in order to try and “educate” or “help them” find those they want to make fun of. It’s very likely that most of the people in those groups do not care about the factual way you or other systems present, and are just there to have a laugh or two. Joining to make fun of targets unlike you does not help, as generally the people in those groups have the same opinions of you as they do about everyone else they’re making fun of. They do not care whether you’re a “presentable” system or not, and depending on how much control they have over the platform you’re on, it could backfire on you.

Remember that not all who disagree with you are salvageable. Sometimes a person will disagree with your views and will not change theirs, no matter what you say or what evidence you provide. In this case, you can only give them space and step away from the conversation once you see it isn’t going anywhere. They may change their opinions in a few years, or they may not, but it isn’t healthy to continue a conversation that isn’t going anywhere.

Blocking works! If you see trolls posting in tags you frequent or enjoy and they stress you out, feel free to block them. 

At the end of the day, entertaining trolls (especially concern trolls) can be time-consuming with little learned, and in some cases it can be dangerous (if they’re the type to run with small errors and tarnish reputations). Choose your battles wisely.

What does help? Focusing on yourselves, asserting your truths, and informing others on what your group is actually like and fostering acceptance. Remember that nobody knows you better than yourselves, and regardless of what others think you as a system are real, and are having this very real experience.  Additionally, you can take steps to protect yourself and your system. 

When on social media remember:

Utilize anonymity. You don’t have to give your full name, date of birth, and address to everyone if you don’t need to, much less your system name and identity. Don’t feel obliged to give away your information, especially to those who could do harm to you.

The internet is potentially forever. Do not put any personally sensitive or embarrassing info online for all to see, especially if it can possibly jeopardize or impact future opportunities.

Become familiar with the platform you’re on before actually settling down. Some platforms have great privacy settings, while others don’t. 

If a platform you use has special private links you can give out to select people (such as Discord or Airtable) take advantage of it and keep track of all the links you’ve given out.

If someone does get a hold of your information somehow, unfortunately unless it was done by accident (ex. someone taking a picture of a system member and using it on a forum because it was cute) it may be impossible to get it taken down or removed, especially if the site it is on is hidden later. In cases like these the only thing you can really do is try to prevent it from happening again.