Would abusive people in R&S be as abusive if they met the people they're abusing face to face?

Question

It seems to me a bit like when hoons in passing cars yell abuse at pedestrians. They are detached and know there can be no real comback or consequences, so they hurl abuse that they would very unlikely do face to face.

In here, I'll often say people's attitudes are stupid and foolish, which I would happily do talking to them face to face, albeit in a polite & reasonably diplomatic fashion.

However, there are many here who post extremely abusive comments geared to toward provacation. Comments that people would only use face to face if they were seriously spoiling for a physical confrontation.

There is a massive difference between calling someone's attitude stupid and directing the comment at the person in general, or telling them they'll burn in hell for eternity.

Do these people who get so abusive realise how cowardly their action is?

Answer 1

Bravery on here is all the bravery most people will ever know.
Being invisible gives them courage to talk stupid and act stupid. I normally don't call people names but I do have a name for those that do that, "little people, with big heads."
All pretty much that is what they are.

Answer 2

I completely agree. I think the anonymity of the internet gives people more freedom to say what they really think. In person, they would not be as likely to be so volatile. But, I don't know that it's cowardly in some cases. Sometimes, I think it helps people to be honest, rather than hiding behind the mask of trying to be socially acceptable.
For example: christians like to claim they're all about peace and love and harmony etc.. in person. Get them to the internet, and that mask comes off.
(This is true for other faiths as well, but since we have a christian majority on R&S, I've used this example.)
For some, it gives them the courage they wouldn't normally have to just say how they feel.
For others, it's a license to behave badly.
It's a two-edged sword in my opinion.
I try to type like I speak and behave like I would normally. I'm as opinionated and out-spoken in real life as I am on the net.

Answer 3

I am a Christian and speak my peace in person and in here. I am tired of the ones on both sides of the coin though that are Cowards and Luke Warm toward Christ. At least the ones who HATE Christ and His Children speak up. I can give them that much. I only wish that the ones WHO CALL them self Christians would GET some Spiritual Knowledge and run their mouth AND NOT now what they are talking about. It is the ones like this that give all the ones who DO Love God and Try to teach His Word on here a bad name. That is OK though as they are th ones who have to answer for it one day at Judgment. Christ has said out of His Own Mouth, "Away with you, I NEVER KNEW YOU"

paraphrased fop Simplicity for Unbelievers AND Spiritual Ignorant *Christians*

Answer 4

I don't think it's entirely cowardice. Many people get hot under the collar when people don't agree with them about religion and spiritual concepts. A large number of them would be obnoxious offline, but possibly not quite as bad.

Answer 5

You have a very good point there but don't let it worry you but you do put yourself in a bad position by some of the comments you say

Answer 6

i am what i am and i say whay i feel to peoples faces and on this site, what annoys me are the COWARDLY violator reporters who get questions and answers removed because it upsets their sensibilities! we all have a different opinion, LIVE WITH IT!!

Answer 7

Yeah, I wonder how many Christians really do go around condemning every second person they meet to hell?

Answer 8

I would venture to say no they would not. We would probably all change our tones and wording then.
Peace Be With You.

Answer 9

I think some of them would be rude & abusive...