signalsA Generation of @$$#0!35
July 25th 2011 11:30
In something that comes as a total surprise to me(yeah right), surfing under the cloak of anonymity has created a generation of no-holds barred jerks! Blogs, forums, social networks, and anywhere people are allowed to join in the commenting process anonymously is seeing an increase in flaming trolls.
The new psychological term for this is 'deindividuation' when social norms are withdrawn because identities are concealed. It also leads to a mob mentality as other trolls join in on the flaming.
My own take is that we are on the WORLD wide web, and anything you put out there is seen around the world by everybody unless they still live under a rock. Anything you put out there is at your own risk, and you should expect criticism no matter how uncivil it may be.
On the flip side, it has created a way for people to build a stronger character and either ignore or return fire. If comments are anonymous they become just words. A 5 year old can be the troll for all you know. Threats should be things that cause concern, but there is only 1 in a 10000 chance one is at risk. Nonetheless they should be reported to authorities. Therein lies the real problem in that mentally I'll individuals do have access to a computer!
The new psychological term for this is 'deindividuation' when social norms are withdrawn because identities are concealed. It also leads to a mob mentality as other trolls join in on the flaming.
My own take is that we are on the WORLD wide web, and anything you put out there is seen around the world by everybody unless they still live under a rock. Anything you put out there is at your own risk, and you should expect criticism no matter how uncivil it may be.
On the flip side, it has created a way for people to build a stronger character and either ignore or return fire. If comments are anonymous they become just words. A 5 year old can be the troll for all you know. Threats should be things that cause concern, but there is only 1 in a 10000 chance one is at risk. Nonetheless they should be reported to authorities. Therein lies the real problem in that mentally I'll individuals do have access to a computer!
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