When you first found R&S, were you shocked of how hostile people are?

Question

I was, in real life I never had such conflicts, even when talking to people who's beliefs would oppose mine. I never though about what being annonymous can do to people

Answer 1

darling I had never experienced fundamentalism in my life ...
to say I was shocked is an understatement lol

Answer 2

Yes, completely shocked. I rarely comment because of the frequent breakdown of civility (others, not my own). I'm afraid this has put me off the topic, which is a shame because I enjoy hearing both sides. But too often it breaks down into name calling, the likes of which I can only remember hearing on grade school playgrounds. Sometimes I get lucky and find a real, productive conversation. But most of the time I must move on to other sections. Thanks for bringing it up.

Answer 3

I know exactly what you mean... In rl I never had such problems with other people being hostile toward me, either. Some people think that being anonymous is a license to treat people like dirt.

Answer 4

A little - I am a teacher in a public HS so I got over shock a long time ago!
But this is anonymous too... people will vent and be disrespectful in ways they would not face-to-face (hopefully).
It does show some significant social problems however - they way we think of and value others ( or don't) - and I see evidence of lots of learning disabilities. This also helps me know what is going in the homes of my students.
I disagree with you on some things but you seem like a nice person and thoughtful.

Answer 5

Larissa,
I know what you mean but I always try to treat others as if they are standing in my home and I want them to stay for supper. There is no reason to treat people terribly. I have made so many wonderful friends here from so many different faiths and Non-Religious people as well. I was a bit upset in the beginning but if you spend some time here, you will find others here that love YOU almost as much as I do! Have a wonderful evening and a glorious week.
Thank You,
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Answer 6

No, I had already been prepared via IRC and Yahoo Messenger by the Fighting 101st Keyboard Kommandos.

I have seen thousands of sunken-chested sissies act like they're Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier in chat. I knew it would be this way on Answers.

Answer 7

It's because it is the internet and on the internet people are free to say whatever they want that they wouldn't dare say to you in person because in person they'd get slapped etc.
I'd had only a few people act hostile towards my innocent questions in R&S thank goodness.
I get thumb downings more which is annoying, but what can you do?
Just ignore it I say and don't let the jerks get to you.

Answer 8

It is amazing! I was really shocked! I have gotten hate mail from a few, not just unbelievers I guess when people do not have to face each other the ignorance comes through

Answer 9

Yes

Answer 10

I was just shocked to see how many people think like me and agree with me on some extreme subjects, and how they adamantly disagree with me with things in which I take a moderate stance! Moderation is dooooooom on the internets...

Answer 11

People say things on this board that (I hope) they would never say face to face. We forget that words in print can hurt, too. I have discussed religion with people from all over the world, all types of faith, lack of faith, but this is a completely new level of hostility.