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by Christopher Skjonsby
The internet affords us the luxury of communicating with people sharing the same interests. It also opens us to praise or ridicule from our peers. When posting to a message board all types of personality are welcome to view and leave their comments, challenge what we say, agree, disagree, it is a free forum to express opinions.
Why do people have to be so mean on message boards? Behind the anonymity the internet provides there is a failure to recognize a real living person on the other side of a post. This is true for both the aggressor and the recipient. The following questions must also be asked. Is this person being mean because my post offended them? Who then is the aggressor? While it would be nice to live in an all accepting world, we don't. Many people think they are "THE" Expert, and many don't like something "because or because" I do not agree this justifies being mean. Responding, retaliating, or accepting this aggression it only fuels that fire. Best ignore or if possible have them blocked.
* A special note should be made that there are some really mean people in the world. This includes those who have little regard for other peoples thoughts. Usually a coward hiding behind a false name, it gives them an opportunity to strike out in spite of their own self loathing. Held too much as a child, or not enough, they have failed to learn proper social skills. Some people are just mean, do what you can to ignore them.
There are no rules to keep people from acting before they think. An online world allows us to act with little or no consequence. Care should be taken when both posting and replying not to offend. Keep in mind not everyone is going to like what you have to say. Some may act out with harsh words and childish behaviour. Remain strong in your conviction and realize who the person is on the other side. More than likely it is someone who has little real bearing in your life.
Keep your chin up!
The internet affords us the luxury of communicating with people sharing the same interests. It also opens us to praise or ridicule from our peers. When posting to a message board all types of personality are welcome to view and leave their comments, challenge what we say, agree, disagree, it is a free forum to express opinions.
Why do people have to be so mean on message boards? Behind the anonymity the internet provides there is a failure to recognize a real living person on the other side of a post. This is true for both the aggressor and the recipient. The following questions must also be asked. Is this person being mean because my post offended them? Who then is the aggressor? While it would be nice to live in an all accepting world, we don't. Many people think they are "THE" Expert, and many don't like something "because or because" I do not agree this justifies being mean. Responding, retaliating, or accepting this aggression it only fuels that fire. Best ignore or if possible have them blocked.
* A special note should be made that there are some really mean people in the world. This includes those who have little regard for other peoples thoughts. Usually a coward hiding behind a false name, it gives them an opportunity to strike out in spite of their own self loathing. Held too much as a child, or not enough, they have failed to learn proper social skills. Some people are just mean, do what you can to ignore them.
There are no rules to keep people from acting before they think. An online world allows us to act with little or no consequence. Care should be taken when both posting and replying not to offend. Keep in mind not everyone is going to like what you have to say. Some may act out with harsh words and childish behaviour. Remain strong in your conviction and realize who the person is on the other side. More than likely it is someone who has little real bearing in your life.
Keep your chin up!