Does the Internet Make People Mean?

I don't think the internet makes people mean. I think they're like that IRL too.

For the most part, there are no consequences for what people say on the internet, and it's fairly anonymous. These two factors cause people to be meaner on the internet, but I'm sure they are the same irl, except maybe a bit better at hiding it.

 

I think people think certain things and they can only say them on the internet. If you look at places like Tumblr and 4chan it seems to be just a bunch of like minded bigots flocking together and saying incredibly hurtful things under the assumption that there will be no repercussions. It's kinda sad really.

 

People are always mean, the internet is only an easier means (with less consequences) to do it.

 

Nope. It just gives you and outlet to be mean.

 

I don't think it's the internet, but the anonymity that the internet provides. that makes people mean.

Look at 4chan, and the fact that the gimmick is being anonymous. Anonymity creates a feeling of no repurcussions, allowing people to become mean. Or, more probably, gives people an outlet for hate that already exists.

 

If that's so, then why do people who's username is their real name, still make mean comments? On Facebook it's worse, because I could click your profile and see pictures of your face and things you like, heck, you profile pic is probabbly your face!

So is it really anonimity?

 

It goes people a feeling of anonymity and the ability to find people who think like them. This in turn gives them the outlet to scratch their itch and vent their hate, which makes them even more extreme now that you're around your fellow radicals. This is also why our politics are so screwed up.

 

Social media dehumanizes people. You're just another screen name and profile pic.

 

The anonymity of the internet makes people far more likely to express uncensored views.

You could debate whether or not it "makes people more mean" though - one could suggest they already had the views but wouldn't speak to them publicly.

 

They are trolls. They aren't saying what they say because they believe it. They say what they say to get a reaction out of people. Ignore them.

 

It is easier to write than to speak, especially when nobody can really reach you behind your screen

 

People who say nasty stuff online are probably just as nasty in person

 

Its easier to say mean things on the internet since half the time no one will know its you.

 

No. The internet doesn't make people mean. People use the internet for the purpose of causing harm to others (almost) anonymously for their own amusement, which is classical bullying.

Sadly, most "Triple A" companies share one thing in common; Lack of Moderation - as nobody ever reports anything anymore. All Code of Conduct breaches are dealt with between the two parties or others from different sides, or bystanders.

Then again... Majority of content you do report to them never gets resolved. Same excuse everytime stating "No Abusive content could be found". It's quite ridiculous, really.

The only issue trolls don't realise is that guilt can creep up behind them in later years. If unlucky enough; law enforcement could get involved or they could be the reason behind a being's death. :dry:

The internet shouldn't be a gateway to give people a hard time. Tim-Burners Lee must be rolling round sites screaming "I didn't create the World Wide Web for this."

*ehem...* Sorry, I got carried away. I'm someone who does not tolerate hate, and the act of little to no moderation on services makes me furious! :tantrum:

 

The Internet can bring out the absolute worst in people. I wouldn't say it makes people mean, but the perks of anonymity certainly can be taken advantage of.

Maybe I'm biased because I have been a victim of cyber bullying and harassment, but I people can be total dickbags and either don't know they're being malicious or they do know and just don't care (having a "it's my way or the highway" mentality, and any opinion other than theirs is dead wrong and that person needs to be publicly shamed and hazed for it).

 

I agree.

 

I have used the internet before to take out anger on people that I did not have the spine or guts for in real life. It was kind of addicting actually, considering how weak and useless I felt normally. With the internet you get a lot more freedom to do what you want and say what you want without having to worry about consequences. The internet is an opportunity for that kind of naughty behavior.

 

Nope, although depending where you go, it might require developing tougher skin