Oh by the way, if you find an instance that seems pretty toxic (my troll was from a "libertarian" instance) there is a way to block the entire instance, even if your own doesn't block it. Go to a user of that instance's profile and in the three-dot menu, there's the option to block the domain.
@davidbilla Good tip! It’s unfortunate that “libertarian” and “free speech” instances have become code words for “abusive” and “hateful” in practice.
Also good to report these to your own admin/mod so they can consider blocking the instance more broadly so others don’t have to experience this toxicity as well. (But people should be careful reporting to the toxic site’s mod bc it’s been known to attract hate, sadly.)
@krisnelson Yes, I wasn't sure if I should report to the instance's mod. I did, but that's also what motivated me to block the entire instance afterward.
(as a European, I've always seen people who scream "free speech" at every corner as sketchy people)