Classic advice for toxic behavior is "just block". Yes it does help. I've had to block about 10 accounts in the last month and honestly, things have drastically calmed down. It seems to prove that most of the toxic behavior is from a small minority.
But In doing user research, it was clear that many people self censor out of fear of toxic blowback.
The problem is that it's not just one block, you need to do it many times and each time you do it, your perception of the problem is reinforced. The trick is to get to the other side.
Many don't make it. That is my worry.
@scottjenson
I recommend quickly blocking anyone who makes your social network less useful or meaningful for you … however you make these decisions, it’s all up to you.