My dorm mates have been spreading a false rumor that I'm pregnant, and I'm tempted to retaliate because I'm the person who provides the Wi‑Fi for the dorm. I tried blocking their devices, but the router showed the block as disabled. Is there a way to make their phones appear connected to the Wi‑Fi while preventing them from accessing the internet?
3 Answers
Technically, many routers let the network owner pause or restrict individual devices through the router’s admin page or a network-management app. However, using that access to punish people is likely to escalate the situation, especially if others depend on the connection. It would be better to secure the router and set clear, consistent usage rules for everyone.
The practical solution is to address the rumor directly or stop engaging with it. If you don’t have a pregnant belly months from now, the claim will fall apart on its own. Cutting off someone’s internet as revenge could create a much bigger conflict.
If the whole network needs to go offline for legitimate maintenance, disconnecting the modem’s incoming cable or turning off the router will do that—but it affects every connected device, not just theirs. Avoid using that as a targeted retaliation tactic.
Ignoring it or calmly telling them to stop is probably safer than changing network access just to upset them.