Do you think people realise the possible detrimental effects...?

Question

...of sweeping statements about politics, races and religions, often induced by knee jerk reactions, to complicated and deep subject matters, on this site?

Not picking on anyone in particular, I have noticed a lot of angry comments from many viewpoints recently and just wondered if peopel actually consider the possible consequences of their words before writing them, or whether the fact that they are relatively anonymous sitting at a keyboard and typing them into a computer to be released into cyberspace makes them more likely to speak out.

Answer 1

Anonymity is probably a significant contributing factor. It's easier to sling mud when you can't see who it hits. I think a bigger factor is that as a society we've become more mean-spirited in our debates. I don't think everyone is or should be the same or agree on everything. I think differences in opinion, style and character are helpful, even growthful, stimulating change and new concepts. What I would like to see is a sense of respect for others - even adversaries.

All that aside, people who make snap judgments and sweeping general statements that have little basis in fact or reality contribute to more misinformation and needless conflict. I believe it's important to stand up and speak the truth as one sees it. I also believe it's important to take time to get the facts right before doing so.

So as I sit here all alone with my computer I can say just about anything I want. I suspect there's a sense of power and control in that. Where there is power and control it's important to have responsibility for my words. I try to take a little time before I hit that final send or submit button.

Answer 2

No. Most who make those statements obviously do not realize the detrimental effects.

Or more accurately, they don't realize the effects are detrimental. They just sink further into their own little self-justified worlds.

{EDIT to MohammedR} You're absolutely correct about snap judgments.

The thing people need to realize is that making snap decisions is not bad. It becomes bad (aka counterproductive, foolish, fatal) when you refuse to re-evaluate those decisions in light of new facts. Sticking to a prior decisions, even when the situation has completely changed, is one of the fatal detrimental effects noted above.

Answer 3

Read a book called blink, it is about the power of snap Judgment and it also discussed the shortfalls of that. People tend to make Snap Judgments almost every minute of their lives. The main problem is that these snap judgments do not work all the time. They mad a snap judgment about Iraq, and look where America is now. They make snap judgment about Iran and....

Answer 4

I think you're quite right when you suggest it may be easier to give harsh words online rather than face to face. I always try to give thoughtful answers although sometimes when I'm tired I am guilty of being a bit too glib and not thinking through my answers.

Answer 5

Because people are anon they say things they would not dare to say in public . The question is how many people are there with such radical views ?I do however find the lack of tollerence disturbing .

Answer 6

They're not interested. Instead, they're bored people who will not find a way to make a productive contribution - here or, I think, elsewhere.

Answer 7

a persons words can come back and bite them in the butt

Answer 8

differences, you expected everyone would the same on this site?

Answer 9

dont know