Why are people more aggressive on the internet?

Question

I've noticed that online people tend to be more aggressive or insulting. I'm more or less the same person online as I am in person, and yet people are rarely aggressive or insulting towards me, yet online a lot of people become defensive or aggressive immediately. Why is this? What is it about internet communication that creates, influences or causes this?
Or do you disagree? Do you think there's no difference in aggressive behavior concerning face to face encounters and internet ones?

Answer 1

People are essentally free from repercussions as far as comments go, online. So they tend to act similar to thier true personality. Often this becomes a haven for jerks or others who can hide for only so long behind common pleasantries in real life. Here a person's nature becomes quickly apparent.

Answer 2

They are more aggressive because it has a sense so security and anonymity.
Lets face it, half the things said here would get most people a shot in the mouth.
I don't think the aggressive people would be so rude if they were standing in front of you knowing that there may be a consequence.
They are very brave from the security of home.

Answer 3

Many are more aggressive and insulting because they can hide behind the annonymity of the internet. I seriously doubt many of the people on here would have the balls to say the same crap they spew on here in real life.

Answer 4

they think they are not going to get a punch in the face when they are online where as in the street if they were cheeky they would get a good kicking. they are just little bullies who should be ignored at all times. there are some decent people online as well who i like to talk to as i like to think i am a decent person too

Answer 5

I agree I am the same person online too.
The people that say nasty things and become really aggressive are cowards and they only do this coz they would never say these sorts of things to people faces, and most of them really need to get a life
Haters

Answer 6

I think you are right that people are more aggressive on the
internet. Its because they think that because you/people
can't see them or don't know them they are invincible.
Plus a lot of times they are drunk or drinking while
(and I've read were they said they were) responding
to people. They think it is funny. One person even
put that they got a kick out of pissing people off or
telling people that they need to get lives when they
needed help or encouragement. Its sad but true.

Answer 7

I think it's because they can really say anything online without people knowing their true identity. It is also easier to say what you really want through typing out, and not having to say it verbally. So yeah maybe that's why alot more people online are more daring than they would be in reality.

Answer 8

I think it's because there is no face to face confrontation and they feel they can get away with saying anything they want to without physical repercussions. There are many ignorant people, who, if you said something they didn't like or didn't agree with, would punch you in the nose or shoot you.

Answer 9

I know what you mean, some things that people do online would be out of order in real life. I think its that they can't actually see you and you aren't necessarily going to see them again. Generally, that it doesn't matter. Its not like they are going to get a punch in return.

Answer 10

Its simply because in real life these people are wimps and are probably bullied so they enjoy taking the annoying and stupid role of being aggressive when they have the chance. So don't take it personally mate.