Has the anonymity of the internet poisoned human morals?

[bluntforcemama]

"Mostly I blame a lack of moderation, and no clear vision." - Jafgon Fleck'ner

Also the lack of fancy footwork counts against us.

 

[Disgustipated]

Yes.

(hi bfm, from zoolander)

 

[semen4her]

No, I am always pleasant.

 

[evesdream]

Has the GB resurrected the dead?
(I blame general irritation with the fresh crop of idiots and collective will)

 

[bluntforcemama]

Well, this place has always had a vicious streak (myself included), but I'm starting to see this anonymity spreading to news outlet comments and other minimally moderated sites. Suddenly everyone wants to lynch someone else without trial.

 

[RoryN]

Absolutely not. Human morals were already in the toilet. The internet is just a showcase.

 

[bluntforcemama]

Absolutely not. Human morals were already in the toilet. The internet is just a showcase.

I disagree. Many people wouldn't openly admit to being a circlejerk face-to-face, and those that are openly assholio are shunned in society. Or they're in politics. For example, you and I can converse here, but face-to-face, I'd probably be backing away.

 

[evesdream]

Well, this place has always had a vicious streak (myself included), but I'm starting to see this anonymity spreading to news outlet comments and other minimally moderated sites. Suddenly everyone wants to lynch someone else without trial.

A soapbox isn't the same as a tree and a rope.

 

[bluntforcemama]

A soapbox isn't the same as a tree and a rope.

The people on the soapboxes are usually the ones preaching about God and religion. The ones who want to lynch are the people saying that Zimmerman is guilty, and calling for a virtual fatwa (Black Panthers).

 

[RoryN]

I disagree. Many people wouldn't openly admit to being a circlejerk face-to-face, and those that are openly assholio are shunned in society.

True, but that doesn't mean the "anonymity of the internet" "poisoned" anyone's morals. They were already "poisoned".

For example, you and I can converse here, but face-to-face, I'd probably be backing away.

Why? I've got more integrity than the GB right-fringe, and I smell great.

 

[Liar]

All the Internet did was make it easier to let your freak flag fly. You still need to have a freak flag.

 

[RoryN]

All the Internet did was make it easier to let your freak flag fly. You still need to have a freak flag.

Bingo.

The ones who want to lynch are the people saying that Zimmerman is guilty, and calling for a virtual fatwa (Black Panthers).

"New Black Panthers". A tiny org out of Texas that no one gives a shit about.

When it comes to the Zimmerman story, they're a red herring, and that's all.

 

[Liar]

Why? I've got more integrity than the GB right-fringe, and I smell great.

It's hard to make use of the content of a soap box if one stands on it all day.

Some nuts in here never step down.

 

[bluntforcemama]

True, but that doesn't mean the "anonymity of the internet" "poisoned" anyone's morals. They were already "poisoned".

Think of anonymity as the apple in the Garden of Eden, then. Take a bite? Or leave it alone? Obviously anonymity leads to people behaving poorly. I'm not saying all people behave badly when hidden behind user names and avatars, but who doesn't give in to the temptation of it? The person may already have the wherewithal to resist being a jerk, but most likely they have to stop, think, and act accordingly. It's all so knee-jerk, which I suppose would lead to the theory that we are already base creatures. I do think that young folk growing up in this world of online anonymity are more likely to act poorly in the real world, though. Perhaps not, but I'm inclined to believe it.

 

[bluntforcemama]

All the Internet did was make it easier to let your freak flag fly. You still need to have a freak flag.

My freak flag prefers to dance like no one's watching.

 

[neci]

i have to agree that there was already poison running through the veins of humanity. the internet just takes away the fleshy appearance. it gives the nastiness a place to breed and fester. has this resulted in an increase of the nasty?

 

[RoryN]

Think of anonymity as the apple in the Garden of Eden, then. Take a bite? Or leave it alone? Obviously anonymity leads to people behaving poorly. I'm not saying all people behave badly when hidden behind user names and avatars, but who doesn't give in to the temptation of it? The person may already have the wherewithal to resist being a jerk, but most likely they have to stop, think, and act accordingly.

In that case, the anonymity of the internet is a good thing.

For instance, some people thought racism had diminished tremendously in this country. We can see that's not the case thanks to the `net.

 

[IndieSnob]

Well well well, look who it is!

Kind of a loaded question. People say things on the intrawebs they wouldn't say in person. Some troll, some give out personal information, etc. etc.

Would the same people that do those types of behavior do it in real life as well? I'd guess that the possibility of that is there. I think it has to be somewhat intrinsic to those people already. The internet just gives them the avenue to do it anonymously.

 

[Nerdy_Harold]

Well, this place has always had a vicious streak (myself included), but I'm starting to see this anonymity spreading to news outlet comments and other minimally moderated sites. Suddenly everyone wants to lynch someone else without trial.

60 minutes did an interview with Adele and she stated that she ignores statements made on the net. She admitted that she is guilty of making screen names to anonymously trash other artist because it is funny and what her generation does. You can see it on youtube.

 

[Nerdy_Harold]

In that case, the anonymity of the internet is a good thing.

For instance, some people thought racism had diminished tremendously in this country. We can see that's not the case thanks to the `net.

(hands you a tissue)

 

[butters]

the people who hide their true nature behind a pleasant facade in real life will use the net as an anonymous outlet to be an e-version of who they really are inside. most people, and i do believe this, will behave within their own person morality as usual; however, people are prone to slipping up in real life so will, i expect, slip up online too from time to time.

 

[bluntforcemama]

Well well well, look who it is!

Kind of a loaded question. People say things on the intrawebs they wouldn't say in person. Some troll, some give out personal information, etc. etc.

Would the same people that do those types of behavior do it in real life as well? I'd guess that the possibility of that is there. I think it has to be somewhat intrinsic to those people already. The internet just gives them the avenue to do it anonymously.

Hey, boyface! Yeah, J was asking me when I visited Lit last, and behold!

Devil's handiwork and all that..... Perhaps that's what all the nastiness is. Can't stay long. Have a play date with Orson Scott Card's granddaughters. BOOYAH!

 

[bluntforcemama]

60 minutes did an interview with Adele and she stated that she ignores statements made on the net. She admitted that she is guilty of making screen names to anonymously trash other artist because it is funny and what her generation does. You can see it on youtube.

Wow. That's crappy, and to blame it on just what her generation does. Where's the integrity? Well, in the admittance, I suppose.

 

[bluntforcemama]

the people who hide their true nature behind a pleasant facade in real life will use the net as an anonymous outlet to be an e-version of who they really are inside. most people, and i do believe this, will behave within their own person morality as usual; however, people are prone to slipping up in real life so will, i expect, slip up online too from time to time.

Perhaps one should use the internet to pan out the gold among mankind?

 

[bluntforcemama]

In that case, the anonymity of the internet is a good thing.

For instance, some people thought racism had diminished tremendously in this country. We can see that's not the case thanks to the `net.

Good point. PC and all is less valued online?