Internet hostility

I was talking with a friend about this today and I don't think it is a coincidence that far more people online seem hostile than in the real world. It just came up casually when he was browsing a site and saw some nasty things. What do I mean by hostile? All you have to do is browse forums, networking sites, and places like Youtube to see the most racist, ignorant, hateful, vile words you will ever see in your life. I have never come across such vicious things in the real world... well maybe seldomly, but nowhere close to what is on the internet.

It doesn't even have to me majorly offensive things. It can be a mere argument over something as basic as sports where it only takes 2 seconds for someone to lash out with the "You fucking retard, you actually think _____ is a better player than ____?!?! Go take a bath in acid."

Do you agree that the internet is overly hostile or does it just seem that way because it is easier to access and browse vast communities with simple mouse clicks? If you do think it is overly hostile, why do you think that is the case? Is it because people can say anything they want through a monitor without the fear of repercussions? Is there more to it it?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Dubble

That's society for you. The popularity of the global internet just exposes a lot more of the filthy layers of it. =\

The sad part is I agree. I think society today is really going down hill. It doesn't have to do with just online, but many other things. Crime is getting worse, etc.

Over the past 5 years I've lost so much respect for society it is at the point where it can't get much lower than it already is. I'm not going to go around telling people what to do with their lives, but on the same token I don't have to approve of it either.

There's nowhere I can't reach.