Column: Should we reward candidates for online trolling? – Richmond Times-Dispatch

Like it or not, online behavior shapes who is chosen for political leadership in the United States. By the 2006 midterms, it was clear that a damaging digital presence could disqualify candidates.

In the 2008 election, social media demonstrated positive effects as well, amplifying the messages of underdog Barack Obama. Amidst the 2022 campaign, online trolling seems to have become an accepted strategy for both parties, after a decade of normalizing tactics for baiting opponents by combining humor with negative messages.

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Many internet scholars argue that the term trolling has been applied too broadly to describe everything from gratuitous flattery to hateful threats.

To identify a truly trollish taunt, look for three elements: a lack of sincerity, a desire for embarrassment, and a compulsion to stoke conflict without advancing meaningful debate. Dont feed the trolls is good advice to avoid rewarding harmful internet comments with attention, but too often candidates retaliate in kind.

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John Fetterman may be the most prominent Senate candidate indulging in trolling activity. After a debilitating stroke limited his in-person appearances, he became a social media celebrity. Some messages were uplifting. Using the exuberant corn kid meme on TikTok, Fetterman outlined hopeful policy positions.

However, other social media posts were focused solely on ridiculing and demeaning his Republican adversary, Dr. Mehmet Oz. This conduct has paid off with national headlines celebrating Fettermans achievements as a troll.

I will admit to chuckling at Fettermans messages when they have a light-hearted tone, such as the warm wishes from New Jersey celebrities that were meant to draw attention to Ozs questionable claims about Pennsylvania residency. I also appreciated the quick wittedness of Fettermans communication team for their snappy comebacks and deft adoption of platform trends. Making a colorful TikTok filter that cycles through Ozs past miracle cures as a TV medical expert invites others to participate in the fun.

But too much snark can be trivializing. Mocking a candidate for clunky graphic design or awkward phrasing keeps the focus on a campaigns style rather than its substance.

Fetterman isnt alone in dispensing negative messages designed for shares and likes. On the other side of the ideological spectrum, Herschel Walkers Instagram is peppered with digs at his opponent. Although one would think that a platform designed for visual communication like Instagram would have many more pictures of the photogenic former Heisman trophy winner, there are almost as many pictures of his rival Raphael Warnock.

Unfortunately, there arent many jokes on Walkers feed, and they tend to be heavy-handed, like lampooning Warnocks West Coast fundraising in their Georgia race with Greetings from San Francisco above his foes image.

Not every politician tags their opponent to intertwine two clashing social media identities in a tit-for-tat public duel. Unlike Fetterman and Walker, Ohios J.D. Vance names antagonist Tim Ryan without generally using his Twitter account handle, so his jibes are not visible to Ryans followers.

With traditional media, we know that negative campaigning can suppress voter turnout, giving advantage to hard-core political bases unwilling to compromise. We also know that social media can stoke political polarization, as users retreat from messages with which they disagree.

In contrast, humor often appeals to shared experiences, particularly when it is self-deprecating. At his best, Fetterman benefits from his reputation as a hoodie and shorts everyman, who punches up rather than punches down to get laughs.

However, when Fetterman posts cartoons of this persona attacking stick figures labeled corporate greed or corrupt politicians, he engages in the worst kind of straw man argument.

On a human level, social media allow candidates new opportunities to interact with their constituents and not just their opponents. Experts on political rhetoric still study the social media campaign of Obama for that reason, and I have argued that Trump despite obvious trolling also engaged with his online followers to promote feelings of connection, access, participation and trust.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, spoke during a campaign stop in Erie, Pa., on Sept. 29. Democrat John Fetterman, a social media celebrity, is his opponent in the contest.

Both parties have unique opportunities to benefit from more intimacy and inclusion in their political storytelling by engaging with their audiences.

For example, coverage of reproductive rights can be very different on peer-to-peer digital media platforms, because users are often sharing very personal experiences involving unique family circumstances or medical conditions with trusted people in their social circles.

Wendy Chun has defended this kind of openness to potential strangers by asserting a right to be vulnerable in public without being attacked.

I certainly dont want to see the two political parties violate user privacy with more large-scale data harvesting in cahoots with social media monopolies. They already exploit personal information to stoke primal fears about safety, disease and crime. Instead, I would like to see more compassion and less trolling by the time the 2024 election cycle comes around, so that candidates arent afraid to be as vulnerable as their voters.

Organist Eddie Weaver at the Miller & Rhoads Tea Room

Lunches in the Miller & Rhoads Tea Room with Eddie Weaver at the organ have been so popular that he cut his own record.

The recently closed Venice Restaurant at the Corner of W. Cary and Thompson streets in Richmond. The Venice had operated since 1958; the owners recently decided to retire.

The new Julian's - Julian's, an Italian restaurant that has been operating for 40 years, has moved to larger quarters on West Broad Street. The restaurant left 2529 W. Broad St. and is leasing space in the former Automobile Club of Virginia headquarters, a block to the west. The restaurant has about 50 percent more space, with seating for about 200 people on the main floor. In addition, a wine cellar has been installed in the basement, private dining areas have been set up, and office space is available on the upper floor. The vacated property may become part of a redevelopment project involving the William Byrd Motor Hotel.

Miller & Rhoads Corner Shop, T-D Mag. Camera Quiz.

Byram's Restaurant, 3215 West Broad Street.

March 16, 1967 ( Staff photo - Netherwood ) Collector's Corner is between the Tea Room and Ladies Room on Miller & Rhoads 5th Floor

Charles Wood on ladder. Jimmy Aldred climbing down. Talley Neon takes down Julian's Restaurant sign

Little remains besides the brick walls at the Capri Restaurant (right) and a chiropractor's office. July 4, 1983.

A Julian's Restaurant menu from the early 1950's.

In January 1975, shoppers passed by the clock at Miller & Rhoads in downtown Richmond. The distinct timepiece with four faces was installed in the department store in the mid-1920s; it can be seen today at the Valentine Richmond History Center.

The new Kelly's Jet System restaurant which is due to open in mid-August on the northwest corner of Fifth and Broad sts. is shown above.

Where's the engine? The caboose traveling on the bed of a truck along West Broad Street yesterday wasn't part of a new rail line in Richmond, but part of a remodeling project at the old Clover Room restaurant. Owner John Dankos plans to open the new restaurant, Stanley Stegmeyer's Hodgepodge, on July 1. Part of the decor will include two cabooses, each of which will seat 16 persons. May 3, 1978

This January 1952 image shows the intersection of West Broad and Lombardy streets, home to a White Tower restaurant and a Firestone automotive service center. White Tower restaurants were a rival of White Castle eateries. The Firestone site is now home to a Dollar Tree store. Lombardy & Broad St.

This January 1952 image shows the intersection of West Broad and Lombardy streets, home to a White Tower restaurant and a Firestone automotive service center. White Tower restaurants were a rival of White Castle eateries. The Firestone site is now home to a Dollar Tree store. Lombardy & Broad St.

A view of the water at Chesdin Restaurant, 629 River Road, Matoaca.

A dish from the the Chesdin Restaurant, 629 River Road, Matoaca.

In the small kitchen of Jumpin J's Java, owner Je Depew (right) creates unique entrees with chef Gene Smith (center) and Chris Pierson. Sept. 25, 2004

At Jumpin J's Java, owner Je Depew (left) shares a laugh with customers Denise Lawus and Melvin Carter. Sept. 25, 2004

Je Depew, outside her cafe' and restaurant, Jumpin J's Java, at 2306 Jefferson Avenue (corner of Jefferson and Leigh streets) in Church Hill.

Exterior of Six Burner Restaurant on Grace Street in 2010.

Roasted Red Pepper appetizer at Six Burner Restaurant. Roasted Red Peppers, local goat cheese, roasted garlic and shallots seved with grilled bread.

One of the many seating areas at the Mexico Restaurant in Mechanicsville on May 17, 2004.

The Upper East Side Restaurant Jazz Lounge and Sports Bar allocated at 7103 Brook Road March 30, 2004.

The Upper East Side Restaurant Jazz Lounge and Sports Bar allocated at 7103 Brook Road on March 30, 2004. Grilled mushroom melt burger, (left) Upper East Side hot wings, and grilled chicken wrap.

Kobe Japanese Steaks & Sushi. March 24, 2004

Ancho chile strip (front plate), Coconut jumbo shrimp (back plate), creme brule cheesecake (right plate) and Firebirds 2000 Napa Valley Red are some of the items on the Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill. Photo taken Monday, March 1, 2004,

Bookbinder's Grill in Alverser Plaza in Midlothian in 2004.

Bella Arte on Bellevue Ave. in 2004.

Sushi from the Young Bin Restaurant in Chippenham Square Shopping Center February 24, 2004.

Shrimp and Scallop Scampi with linguine at Portabella's Restaurant & Pizzaria

Paxton Campbell, owner of The Oak Leaf sandwich shop on West Franklin, holds a picture of his grandmother Pearl Campbell, who had a restaurant called The Oak Leaf at 307 North Boulevard in the 1920's.

The "Plato Gordo" at Rio Grande Cafe at Stony Point Fashion Park.

George Porcella, general manager of Pasta Luna restaurant in Richmond, VA, holds a menu as he talks about how the mad-cow scare has affected their business Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003.

El Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Ashland . December 22 , 2003

Valentino's Italian Pizza and Restaurant, December 2, 2003.

Interior of Valentino's Italian Pizza and Restaurant. Photo taken Dec. 2, 2003

Coctel De Camaron, (Shrimp Cocktail) at Los Rios Mexican Restaurant on Tuckernuck Road, November 12, 2003.

Satoru Sato, head chef at Hana Zushi Japanese Restaurant, prepares a variety of sushi delicacies February 18, 2004

Anthony Clark, a host at Croaker's Spot in Jackson Ward, waits to greet guests as they enter the restaurant on December 19, 2003.

The Edible Garden, 12506 River Road, Goochland County. Phot o taken June 17, 2005

Harold Thomas III, 14, works at Harold's Kitchen every day after school. The restaurant has been in the family since 1971, when the first Harrold, Harrold III's grandfather, opened it.

La Casita's home made sauces - Red, (Medium) White, (Hot) and Green, (Very hot) compliment the restaurant's Shrimp Quesadilla, served with guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.9/6/05-

Diners munch under the festive lights strung over the dining room at La Casita Restaurant in Richmond Tuesday.9/6/05

Joe and Camilia Trak (center) with their children John and Mona, with some of the items on their extensive Greek-Italian menu, including Greek and Italian wines. Trak's Greek and Italian Ristorante

Visitors to Trick Dog Cafe in Irvington, Virginia, can rub this trick dog statue for good luck. Photo taken Wednesday, July 19, 2005.

Smoked Salmon in a crepe with flower petals with chives, cr me frais, microgreens accompanied by caper berries, chopped white onions, parsley and quail eggs. 1 North Belmont Restaurant on North Belmont Road in the fan. May 13, 2005.

Chef Matthew Tlusty with two Rock fish at Limani Fish Grill on W. Cary St.July 14, 2005

Isabel and Mehmet Akpinar, owners of Zorba's Restaurant June 1, 2005.

Homard en Poche, Rock Lobster Tail & Oyster Mushroom Duxelle baked in a Beggars Pouch. 1 North Belmont Restaurant on North Belmont Road in the fan. May 13, 2005.

Smoked Salmon in a crepe with flower petals with chives, cr me frais, microgreens accompanied by caper berries, chopped white onions, parsley and quail eggs. 1 North Belmont Restaurant on North Belmont Road in the fan. 5/13/05

Thyme crusted rack of veal served with asparagus flan and prosciutto wrapped asparagus is one of the entrees served at Bistro R, on W. Broad St.

Bryn Purser (foreground) and Adam Schumm (background) working in their restaurant, Zuppa, at 104 N. 18th St. in Shockoe Bottom in 2005

Bottoms Up staff prepares for dinner customers beneath a reminder of Tropical Storm Gaston's flood damage on August 11 , 2005

Brasilian Cafe owner Rogel Venson and employee Isabel Gonzalez inside the restaurant on April 14, 2005.

Contractor W. Samuel West, West Builders LLC, (right) was instrumental in rebuilding many flood-damaged restaurants in Shockoe Bottom including the River City Diner in which this photo was taken.

Mr. Bojangles restaurant is located at 550 E. Marshall Street.

A wooden casket containing a dummy corpse is brought into O'Toole's Restaurant as part of a "wake" that harks back to a centuries-old papal dispensation that allowed Irishmen normally abstaining from drink during Lent to drink in the event of a wake for the dead. The ritual with the dummy corpse is a tradition of many years at the restaurant/bar on Forest Hill Ave.

Wingstop Restaurant featured a variety of wings for every palate. From left: Lemon Pepper, original hot wings, and a mild variety. They are served here with fresh-cut seasoned fries.

Darryl and Pramvdee U. McGuire owners of Thai Country Resturant on Staples Mill Rd. .

A list of restaurants supposedly available at the Sixth Street Marketplace, but alas, several are closed down and one whole block of restaurants listed has been demolished.

Rod Bennett (right) a partner in the Martini Kitchen & Bubble Bar venture, said that the 1911 West Main Street restaurant will boast 85 martinis on the menu. It will also offer certified black angus beef, duck, and lobster.

Lois McCarn of Richmond (center) eats lunch with her daughter Carolyn Barker of Richmond in Brio Tuscan Grille at Stony Point Fashion Park

Little Europa Strogonoff (stroganoff) at Little Europa Restaurant and Gourmet Deli in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center on 11/5/03. Flambe version.

From left, Thomas Haskins, Andrew Williams, and Fred Middleton preparing food in the kitchen of the Positive Vibe Cafe in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center.

Chef Peter Caserta is opening a second Pasta Luna restaurant in addition to the West End location. The new location is in the Commonwealth Center at 288 and Hull Streets.

Chicken Biryahi, adorned with egg, is available at Curry House restaurant on West Broad Street. Photo taken October 7, 2003.

Gade Reddy, of Wilmington, Delaware, eats a meal at Curry House restaurant on West Broad Street Tuesday, October 6, 2003.

The bar at the Grafiti Grille in the Tuckahoe Shopping Center. Feb. 27, 2005

Marie Antoinette Elbling grew up on a farm near the village of Thanville in Alsace, France. Her family ate seasonal food only at three meals. After moving to Richmond 34 years ago where she and husband, Chef Paul, opened La Petite France, she eats the same way. She doesn't exercise because she is in constant motion. Life is her exercise. If a light bulb needs changed in the restaurant, she'll grab a ladder and do it.

Chef F. J. Sabatini, with his Seafood Bouchee, in the restaurant in the Henry Clay Inn in Ashland on March 28, 2005

The Brasilian Cafe is located in the basement of Stuart Circle Apartments on Monument Avenue. Photo taken Sunday, January 20, 2005.

Among other dishes, guests at Can Can, a brasserie on Cary St., can savor the roasted salmon served with lentils, wild mushrooms and red wine shallots. April 20, 2005.

The bar area of Shula's 2 restaurant at the Sheraton Richmond West November 6, 2004.

Guests dining at Cielito Lindo who might be in the mood for something sweet can try the flan de calabaza, the pumpkin flan. March 15, 2005.

Christopher Bak, chef at Fusion, watches over chocolate truffle cake. Photo taken Monday, March 7, 2005.

The Lucky lounge, located on E. Cary St., opened December 28, 2004. This restaurant/bar also offered live music, including Jazz on Thursday nights.

Lunch crowd at Perly's on Grace St. March 11, 2005

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Column: Should we reward candidates for online trolling? - Richmond Times-Dispatch