Why do people feel they need to respond to questions in a hateful manner?

Question

I realize that everyone has a right to their opinion. I welcome sincere responses even if they are not along the lines of my thinking - as long as they apply to the posted question. But so often I find that people are just being hateful for hate's sake. Why do you think this is?

I have never asked a hateful or sarcastic question yet have received numerous hateful comments here. Perhaps you are right - I do not understand the purpose of this forum if it is one of hate. I seek the truth, I seek faith, I seek spirituality.

Answer 1

Sometimes, those who are uncertain of their views and see a question which challenges what they believe, they become nervous and feel threatened. Thus, they answer in an offensive or defensive manner which can appear to be hateful.

Another reason is that of pride, someone who is so sure of his own reasoning ability can be inclined to demean the reasoning of others if it doesn't agree with his own reasoning, because his view is so 'obviously correct' and everyone else is so 'obviously ignorant and stupid'. The fact that he sees so many 'stupid' people in the world can cause him to feel upset and hopeless for the progression of humanity and/or society as he appears to be one of the only, or select few, who have any sense.

Most likely, though, it is a combination of both. The insecure person may use pride as a way of comfort, assuring himself that he is obviously right and need not reconsider his views, beliefs, or philosophies. This can even be used to hide a person's own insecurities from himself, allowing himself to believe that he actually is the most sensible of the intelligentsia.

Answer 2

The Bible says that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Maybe some people are just looking for an argument or a place to vent. Others like you and I are either looking for answers or are willing to politely answer questions. I do not believe the purpose of this site is to inspire hate.

Answer 3

Usually it's because they see exactly the same old argument again and again. Often the arguments are those published in small publications that promote a particular viewpoint that is, in itself, seen as hatefull. After the hundredth time answering politely, ones temper can become more than is nice.

Answer 4

I think when a negative question is asked you get negative answers. Most people can see through the questions. but there will always be bad apples in the bunch, thats just life.

Answer 5

Selfishness. I may disagree with a lot of people, but it doesn't do any good to be hateful if in the end I want to prove my point or get someone to agree with my side of the issue.

I agree - many people are just idiots.

Answer 6

Salt only stings on an open wound.

(that goes for both asker and answerer) :)

I know because while I don't like anger, I fall prey to it sometimes in moments of weakness, and I'm also hurt by other's anger more than I should be.

Answer 7

At the risk of sounding hateful, why in the hell are you asking questions if you know your answers are going to tick you off? Isn't that silly?

Answer 8

If the question is phrased in a condescending or judgmental way, then it's going to get "hateful" responses.

Answer 9

I get lovely responses from a lot of atheists and nasty ones from far too many Christians when I ask a question pertaining to Buddhism or reference dharma in my answers. Free minds, free hearts. Namaste

Answer 10

Because a bruised EGO is far more susceptible to the relentless temptations of Ignorance.