The internet and text-only forms of communication

[cant think of a user name]

Often, we witness situations where an individual will say or do things online which they wouldn't normally do in a face-to-face situation.

An example of this is flame-wars, and overly sarcastic comments.

Usually, people don't go around seeking fights and abusing each other in the "real" (offline) world. People are generally more civil and polite to each other in person.

I've listed a few factors which may explain this phenomenon... you can... vote for your favourite one .

EDIT: the last option "they are just taking the piss", means they are just making fun of others in a (usually) light-hearted way - although that can vary.

 

[cant think of a user name]

As it stands, there is overwhelming support for the options:

"Anonymity/Lack of repercussions" (71.43%)

and

"People feel disconnected from their online identity" (42.86%)

Which, some may argue, are interrelated:

- Anonymity and lack of repercussions (e.g. in the text-based medium, anyone can claim to be anybody) may lead to disconnection from online identity

- Disconnection from online identity (e.g. not posting your photo, or actively participating or engaging with others in an online community) may lead to anonymity, in the sense that no one knows who you are so you don't have any 'reputation' to uphold.


But what about the notion of:
"Only certain types of individuals participate in flaming"?

and even the harmless:
"They are just taking the piss"?

Would anyone who voted for those like to elaborate on why you voted for them?

 

[robrulesyou]

blah

I didnt vote but listen, i think you forgot to add the choice: "are immature and frustrated due to not getting sex"

Im fairly new here, especially compared to you but I sense a lot of frustration. A lot of tossing aroudn of theories and etc when guys should just go out and do it.

sex seems to be a big deal for most guys. There's way too many wrong ideas here to name them all.

Ive actually never seen a forum where there is so much flaming.

edit: it is also due to the fact that a lot of guys are probably here for entertainment, while others are actually here to learn. The conflicting goals lead to arguments. People make fun of guys giving tips and others just plain 'troll' it's sad really.

 

[cant think of a user name]

Im fairly new here, especially compared to you but I sense a lot of frustration. A lot of tossing aroudn of theories and etc when guys should just go out and do it.
...
sex seems to be a big deal for most guys. There's way too many wrong ideas here to name them all.
...
People make fun of guys giving tips and others just plain 'troll' it's sad really.

Actually I wasn't talking about this forum specifically, but the internet in general. Flaming is a regular occurance on many many internet boards.

However I appreciate your contributions:

"are immature and frustrated due to not getting sex"

I think this would by included under "only certain types of people participate in flaming". Good to see it mentioned. Not exactly sure how accurate it is but still it is a point for consideration.

The conflicting goals lead to arguments.

So it's a division between different people with different purposes for using the forums? This is a good point for this forum especially, BUT it doesn't explain why flaming occurs on other forums where people are all just there for entertainment only (eg. general discussion forums on the net).

 

[Yotsuya-san]

It's not just the anonymity of the net. It's just the fact that you can take your time and plan your thoughts and responses cleverly. This is true even if you do so under your real name. Someone who might be shy, dull, and usually at a loss for words in a realtime, in person conversation can take the time to think up and formulate smart ass sarcastic responses. Therefore, they might seem witty in print but this does not translate to in person interaction where these same responses might seem artificial and contrived. Not that it doesn't anyway.