1. (Noun) The Concern Troll differentiates itself from more outwardly nasty cousins by using generally polite language and claiming to agree with their victims. They then claim that their victims are essentially "doing it wrong," to help, they offer advice which would either invalidate their victims' position, cause an inherent hypocrisy with their philosophy, or render them unable to effectively advocate for it.
Their first known appearance was in talk radio, where they would open up their call with, "I'm such a huge fan, and you're always right, but..." usually followed with statements completely at odds with the philosophy governing the show. They were nicknamed by some as "seminar callers," because progressive groups in the USA had actually funded seminars where they taught followers to use this tactic against opposition voices on the radio in the '90s. These deceptive practices and individuals have since metastasized into the internet.
This is why most Concern Trolls are found on boards or the comment sections of political subjects; they use this tactic to attempt to sow seeds of doubt, and weaken their political opposition. Most are left-wing progressives, although a smattering of alt-right Concern trolls have begun to appear.
The cure for the typical nasty troll is the simple statement, "don't feed the trolls," i.e., ignore them. The cure for the Concern Troll is, "NEVER TAKE THE ADVICE!" (And if you are attracting them, likely you are doing something right)
Their first known appearance was in talk radio, where they would open up their call with, "I'm such a huge fan, and you're always right, but..." usually followed with statements completely at odds with the philosophy governing the show. They were nicknamed by some as "seminar callers," because progressive groups in the USA had actually funded seminars where they taught followers to use this tactic against opposition voices on the radio in the '90s. These deceptive practices and individuals have since metastasized into the internet.
This is why most Concern Trolls are found on boards or the comment sections of political subjects; they use this tactic to attempt to sow seeds of doubt, and weaken their political opposition. Most are left-wing progressives, although a smattering of alt-right Concern trolls have begun to appear.
The cure for the typical nasty troll is the simple statement, "don't feed the trolls," i.e., ignore them. The cure for the Concern Troll is, "NEVER TAKE THE ADVICE!" (And if you are attracting them, likely you are doing something right)
Concern Troll Example 1:
User: "...and that is how I believe we should publicly advocate for our position on this important topic."
CT: "Hi User, I agree entirely with this topic, and everything you've said, but you come off extremely rude with this, so if you expect to do it right, you shouldn't advocate like you said, instead, stay home and write in a journal. You wouldn't want to hurt people's feelings and be a jerk, right?"
(The advice, if taken, would remove User from the public debate, weakening their side)
Concern Troll Example 2:
Radio show caller: "Hello Rush, I'm a huge fan! I've been listening to you since the beginning, and agree 100% with 99% of what you say; but, you are wrong on this and it could hurt your audience. We should have higher taxes and more government regulation on this topic, and it surprises me you aren't being consistent by supporting this."
(The advice here would completely go against the governing philosophy of Limbaugh, and if taken, would make him contradict his own philosophy, causing listeners to turn him off)
User: "...and that is how I believe we should publicly advocate for our position on this important topic."
CT: "Hi User, I agree entirely with this topic, and everything you've said, but you come off extremely rude with this, so if you expect to do it right, you shouldn't advocate like you said, instead, stay home and write in a journal. You wouldn't want to hurt people's feelings and be a jerk, right?"
(The advice, if taken, would remove User from the public debate, weakening their side)
Concern Troll Example 2:
Radio show caller: "Hello Rush, I'm a huge fan! I've been listening to you since the beginning, and agree 100% with 99% of what you say; but, you are wrong on this and it could hurt your audience. We should have higher taxes and more government regulation on this topic, and it surprises me you aren't being consistent by supporting this."
(The advice here would completely go against the governing philosophy of Limbaugh, and if taken, would make him contradict his own philosophy, causing listeners to turn him off)
by brrrayday July 24, 2017
Get the Concern Troll mug.A phrase used by the progressive netroots whenever someone questions the effectiveness of their activism, or notices that they are acting like fools, and discrediting their causes by incredibly silly gestures.
See: http://www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=7501
(Noting that facebook isn't a good vehicle for protest makes one a "concern troll.)
(Noting that facebook isn't a good vehicle for protest makes one a "concern troll.)
by Mr.Eddy October 9, 2008
Get the Concern Troll mug.Related Words
One who engages with no one on a sane level; One who continuously flirts with Death; One who is truly concerned... so she trolls people into hating her until we start loving her again and then she does more shit to make us hate her again. La La La La .... omg... like.... what?!
I'm concerned about trolling concerts for trolls to give better fitting Clothings outfits toys joys and wHynmsims and wishes and wants and desires to; Jesus Christ what does a lady have to do to cease all operations as an intergalactic Concern Troll (Proper Noun)?
by LillyManson July 13, 2023
Get the Concern Troll (Proper Noun) mug.Bob: Take my liver.
Gary Miller: Concern juice.
Bob: Lol. Your now concerned, loser.
Gary Miller: Can I still have your liver though?
Bob: Only if you finish your concern juice.
Gary Miller finishes his concern juice and takes Bob's liver.
Then you make-out.
The End.
Bob: I love you, Gary Miller.
Gary Miller: I love you too, Bob.
Gary Miller: Concern juice.
Bob: Lol. Your now concerned, loser.
Gary Miller: Can I still have your liver though?
Bob: Only if you finish your concern juice.
Gary Miller finishes his concern juice and takes Bob's liver.
Then you make-out.
The End.
Bob: I love you, Gary Miller.
Gary Miller: I love you too, Bob.
by Starry Soleil November 22, 2021
Get the Concern Juice mug.When a person gaslights you into feeling or looking vulnerable or needy for their fake help and hence, inferior. It's a way of domineering over you by establishing a power dynamic where they get to control your life, order you around and you're supposed to feel grateful to be treated like a dog. May be part of a smear campaign, triangulation and poisoning the well of your general reputation. Common to narcissists but everyone has done this at some point, we usually grow out of it after school. They will interrogate you for slander and ruin under the guise of politeness. Social sabotage and attempted social murder.
e.g. "I'm just worried about you" or "are you okay? you seem XYZ" Classic form of concern trolling, weaponised by controlling men and women who otherwise have no recourse to control you in that situation. May speak to you like an abusive parent to a naughty child. Boundary violation is the purpose.
"People have been talking about you so I just came to check how you are." Triangulation method, they're the problem. They are smearing you.
"You look terrible/tired" or "You seem so sad, secretly, can I help?" Interference and belittlement gaslights.
"Are you SURE you're okay?" wearing you down with resistance to their interrogations. Happens in the workplace too.
"People have been talking about you so I just came to check how you are." Triangulation method, they're the problem. They are smearing you.
"You look terrible/tired" or "You seem so sad, secretly, can I help?" Interference and belittlement gaslights.
"Are you SURE you're okay?" wearing you down with resistance to their interrogations. Happens in the workplace too.
by paint88 June 30, 2024
Get the concern trolling mug.One who tries to shame or discredit by feigning offense on behalf of groups to which they don’t belong. Critically, a concern troll never contributes anything to improve matters. The criticism is the point, not righting the wrong.
Concern Troll: “You didn’t put alt text on your image! You’re just another ableist pig who hates the unsighted community!”
OP: “I’m sorry. What alt text would be helpful to a blind person?”
Concern Troll: “How should I know? Do you see ‘free accessibility training’ in my profile? Educate yourself on your own time!”
OP: “I’m sorry. What alt text would be helpful to a blind person?”
Concern Troll: “How should I know? Do you see ‘free accessibility training’ in my profile? Educate yourself on your own time!”
by Rootybeggar April 23, 2025
Get the Concern troll mug.Hey Sam, I slept with this guy a few months ago
What? When? Who?
Nevermind. It is none of your concern.
What? When? Who?
Nevermind. It is none of your concern.
by Unco Sam December 9, 2015
Get the none of your concern mug.