About this Episode
In this episode of Player: Engage, Greg is joined by Dr. Ruth Diaz, a psychologist and conflict resilience expert. Ruth leads The Troll Project, a VR initiative designed to combat alienation and foster human connection. She shares insights from her Deepen Orient Transform model, explores the psychological aspects of trolling, and discusses how to build inclusive communities online.
Listen Here: Ruth Diaz – The Troll Project
Timestamps & Key Takeaways:
- 00:01 – 01:11: Introduction and Ruth’s Background
- Ruth introduces herself and her work, highlighting her transition from veterinary medicine to psychology and her current focus on The Troll Project.
- 10:27 – 13:30: Understanding Trolling Behavior
- Ruth explains the dynamics of trolling, how it often stems from social anxiety and a need for connection, and the importance of approaching trolls with curiosity.
- 20:11 – 22:45: The Evolution of Trolls
- Discussion on how trolls evolve, the role of social anxiety, and how structured environments can mitigate harmful behavior.
- 32:21 – 34:50: Differentiating Trolling from Bullying
- Ruth explores the differences between trolling and bullying, highlighting the impact of anonymity and the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing harmful behavior.
- 41:30 – 44:16: Addressing Crisis Situations in VR
- Ruth shares a poignant example of a crisis situation in VR involving a suicide threat, discussing the importance of group intervention and support.
View on Zencastr
Key Concepts:
- Trolling Behavior: Understanding the psychological roots of trolling and the need for curiosity in addressing it.
- Community Building: Strategies for creating inclusive and supportive online communities that address and mitigate harmful behavior.
- Conflict Resilience: The importance of teaching conflict resilience and building systems that support healthy community dynamics.
- Crisis Intervention: Effective ways to handle crisis situations in virtual environments through group support and intervention.
- Differentiating Trolling and Bullying: Recognizing the distinctions between trolling and bullying, and understanding when trolling crosses the line into harmful behavior.
