Does the Anonymity of the Internet Allow People to be Meaner?
Yes. It shows a real lack of integrity in people, because integrity is doing the right thing…even though no one’s looking. When people can hide behind a computer monitor, and remain faceless and nameless…and they CHOOSE to be ignorant and mean…that tells me that’s who they REALLY are inside…without having to be monitored and kept in check by other people in their lives.
Absolutely! I think some people will say many things that they wouldn’t say if someone knew they were doing it. They would be ashamed to spout some of the garbage that they do if their Mother, Father or other loved ones could hear them. It gives them a feeling of power and, on occassion, an outlet for radical ideas that they know they wouldn’t get away with in their real life. Hopefully most of them will out grow the need to be a jerk in private while wearing a friendly face in the real world.
Sometimes it does. When I first came on here I know I ranted a bit, though it died down. So maybe it’s more prevalent among new users. Also, I noticed that the opposite might be true. It can allow people to expose their softer, more vulnerable and kinder side as well. I know someone who will not add you as a Contact unless you give him at least an e-mail address and your name. It might be a bit conservative, but it can be sensible.
