Why are people more critical on here than in real life?

Question

I've noticed that people are so quick to judge in real life, but even more so in here. Is it the anonymity that gives them the courage to say nasty things, when normally they would be more courteous?

Answer 1

Thats exactly why. They dont have to deal with people face to face so there are no repercussions for what they say

Answer 2

I know I may be a rarity but I would pretty much say the same things to someones face in real life as I would in here. I do think the anonymity does give people the courage to respond, but also courage to ask more questions also.

Answer 3

There are some here that have what I call "rest room guts." They are all tough guys when they are at work in the rest room telling their co-workers what an jerk the boss is. When the time comes to actually say something they are nowhere to be found. It works for students as well. Normally these cowards will get somebody to do their dirty work for them by intimidation or manipulation. I find there are many people here who enjoy the exchange of ideas and thoughts but there will never be a shortage of morons because they keep reproducing and spreading their ignorance and hate.

Answer 4

I've found it the inverse. In person there's a lot of easy ways to judge someone without them even speaking, how they look, hold themselves, smell, et cetera. On here, and the internet at large, you need to listen to what someone says before you can adequately judge them, and the act of reading rather than listening allows you more time to interpret.

Conversely on the internet opinions come out much more readily making any judgements usually more extreme than they would be otherwise.

This is most likely just a byproduct of spending too much time on anonymous imageboards.

Answer 5

Yes, I think it is the anonymity. Also they can get things off their chest that they might not normally be able to do so.

And people generally have little or no personal involvement with anyone here, so they don't have to take the care to not hurt feelings that they would with people they know and love or like.

Answer 6

I think anonymity is a big part of it. I think it is also the inability of the asker to fight back. Sure they can post an additional comment but I never have to go back to read what he or she wrote. In a real conversation, I would get a response, and I would have to deal with the consequences of angering somebody.

Answer 7

I don't know. Some people have said some dumb **** but I just assumed they were idiots. I can't speak for anyone else but I am the same way on here as I am in real life.....honest and blunt. I don't tend to sugar coat. Maybe people are more rude nowadays, or maybe people are just more honest with how they feel.

Answer 8

well i noticed that too bec.I experienced it but since i am very open minded person and i understand that this is an open to everybody who wants to ask and answer the questions ,i just leave it .As long it is not below the belt, i can still take it. One thing more you don't know who the person was and no picture ,they are so brave to say anything they want.

Answer 9

It's the anonymity and also it's a good place to blow off some steam...so we should all let the jerks have their say. It's better than having them resort to more serious forms of aggression, don't you agree?

Answer 10

i'm actually mor critical in real life. i take more pleasure in actually seeing the person's spirit break under the blows of my words. also, being face-to-face with the person allows me to criticize more things about them than i would normally be able to through an anonymous website.

Answer 11

i think that's a great question, and i am guilty as charged...i am usually honest in the real world, but not mean, on the internet i feel like it is more of an opportunity to be myself....i guess that's kinda odd
ps- i think i am alot more considerate than others even on the internet