Does the anonymity of the web, in and of itself, encourage sarcasm and hatefulne!
Question:
Does the anonymity of the web, in and of itself, encourage sarcasm and hatefulness?
Look around you. Why is it always happening in just this way, every day here? Is it nothing more than the chronological immaturity of the majority online? (--Babies will play.) Are people with computers the new low common denominator in society? (--Everybody owns at least one shirt, and one computer, it seems.)
Why do you think spite and snottiness are so rampant online? Do you have a way to fix it, and would you if you could? Some people say "That's life" and disdain any ideas of regulation or self-regulation of communities like this one.
What are your opinions? Take your time. The first answer will not necessarily, or even probably, receive best answer. And I will read every response.
Thanks.
Answers: I agree with you. The web gives you a false sense of security which allows people to be bolder, sarcastic and sometimes downright belligerent. Because it's convenient and instantaneous, people speak their mind often without thinking of the negative ramifications of their vicious spewing.
In my daily life, I'm very careful with how I phrase my words not only to voice my opinion but also not to offend people. But the difference is, I am right there in front of people which leaves me vulnerable to retaliation if they disagree with my views. The web however, is anonymous. It gives you the courage and sometimes the audacity to say what you're really thinking without regard to your vulnerability because people can't see you; probably can't touch you either. If you don't like what they say about you, you can turn off your computer or just hit delete in the virtual world. You can't easily do that in the physical world.
As for fixing it, sorry, no, I don't have any suggestions other than moderators or just turning off my computer if I get offended by something someone says. Yes, we should all be self-regulators, but that's not going to happen in the virtual world.
I've personally witnessed the sarcasm and hatefulness on the web too my friend. I often have to remind myself that by my participating on a public forum like this, it opens up the world to my opinions and my honest answers, so I choose to keep my Q&A's private. If it offends others, I'm sorry, but they need to respect my privacy as well as my integrity. People are quick to judge you when it's done anonymously. Think of it like a scorned lover whose jealously runs rampant in their veins. Now give this person the anonymity of the web. A toxic combination.
It's up to each individual to make a choice on how much value you give the words you read on the web that are directed toward you. I'm grateful for the web since it puts the world at my fingertips. The possibilities are endless as far as who you'll meet online and what you can learn from each other. You could honestly make strong connections with others you might not normally encounter in your daily life had you not ventured onto the world-wide web.
Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinions but most of all, thanks for giving me something interesting to think about. Life is a lifelong learning process.
Best wishes! Source(s):
Just my humble opinion. I'm still new to this as it is my first computer. I try to ignore it as I know they would never have the nerve to say it to my face. I don't think the anonymity of the web encourages sarcasm and hatefulness, but rather makes expressing those views readily available. It is true that there is a great deal of immaturity on online communities such as Y!A.(Especially in the P&S category) I wouldn't go as far as people with computers the low common denominator of society. Take into considerstion all of the uses available to an online user. The internet can be used:
-To find general information about a subject
-To access information not easily available elsewhere
-To correspond with faraway friends
-To meet people
-To discuss their interests with like-minded people
-To have fun
-To learn
-To buy things
-To work away from jobsite
-To transact online
As far as spite & snottiness, I really can't tell you why a person would use harsh and ignorant ways to express themselves, since I am not one to do that. Maybe it is the result of a person not being able to vent themselves in a constructive manner in their own life, so they use the internet as a tool to release their spite anonymously. This becomes a social issue when other users see people expressing themselves in an unconstructive manner, and mimic the act believing it is acceptable since they aren't alone. But this extends farther than just online, this is a global social issue. Humility is key. Now how to instill Humility into general society is matter that can be debated over. Religion is the most common method, but the irony of the situation is current and historical religious figures have shown some of the most spite and snottiness. This is where the matter of personal choice comes into play; regardless of your religion or social status, the choice to express yourself in an immature or thoughtful, positive or negative way is ultimately up to you.
Thank you for the question, I wish the best to you and yours!