Do some of us forget we are dealing with real human beings ?

Question

on Y!A, while this forum gives opportunity to answer questions and engage in meaningful dialogue with others, it also provides the opportunity to become totally anonymous. While there is nothing wrong eith that, I believe some answerers take this opporunity to launch the most brutal and vicious attacks on people they know nothing about. Perhaps they forget they are dealing with much more than an avatar and are interacting with human beings who have feelings, and can be hurt by unprovoked and venomous attacks. My dear friend on Y!A was attacked in a most vicious way for asking a legitimate question. I watched in amazement and dismay as about 90% of answerers took it upon themselves to call her names and offend her dignity without knowing the first thing about her. Yes, the question was legitimate and asked in a most polite way.
No, reporting such people is not an answer. I sense fear in such people. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate and hate is a sure path into the dark side.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the anonymity of the Internet allows people to behave in ways that they wouldn't in real life for fear of getting their lights punched out. It's a case of being able to indulge in bullying without the fear of any consequences.

(I have a tendency to be sarcastic, so I'm speaking from experience here. I have to watch myself, or else I can go over the top, too.)

I don't hold out much hope for people learning to use the Internet responsibly, but that's not going to stop me from trying to teach by example. Maybe if enough of us treat each other with respect and kindness, we can at least make a dent in the problem.

Answer 2

In the real world, I learned a long time ago to NOT ask a question if I don't want to hear answers which may make me uncomfortable. The same hold true in the cyber world. I once had a tragedy affect my life which I would not wish on anyone... and when it was brought up online in a Local Community forum (not by me, but by someone who cares about me and was infuriated by what happened) the comments people made were preposterous, mean, and uncaring. It made me feel even more like a victim, and the experience of the tragedy combined with the anonymous reactions of some of the community caused me to lose a great deal of faith in humankind in general. To this day, I've become quit hardened. And, whereas I used to think people were generally "good," I've since decided that most people are azzes, to say the least.

Answer 3

I completely agree. I think that some of the people answering questions absolutely do forget that the questioners are real people with real feelings, emotions, struggles and the ability to be hurt by even a strangers insensitive words.
It's all too easy for some people to say "sticks and stones", but words DO hurt...even when they come from people we don't know.
I do NOT understand how some of the answerers can spew out some of the garbage they do and not feel even a twinge of compassion. I guess it IS the whole anonymity deal...at least, that is the only thing I can think of.

Answer 4

I would love to say that people are just immature and lack communication skills. This may be some of the problem but then there are others who just have decided to be wicked. I am sure that face to face they are somewhat polite but can't wait to get on the computer where they can vent their disgust with thier fellow humans. Usually this comes from self loathing. And again who am I to think I know this? I am after all just one bovine in a sea of inhumanity.

MooO†

Answer 5

If you believe in creation has a purpose, then you believe in God. God is not religion. As God is creator of all then there cannot be some one belonging to different Gods. And basically religion profess to fear God of His displeasure and hate man for being in the religions line. So God and religion are at the opposite ends. Yes there is a purpose for every creation. But it may not be within the perception of the creature. As an example we have millions of microbes working within us to keep us alive. They cherish their lives without knowing that they are supporting the life within us. The man is beyond the perception of these microbes. They take birth, live and die in some part of our body without knowing that while they enjoy the life they are supporting our life. Another example can be that of the honey bees. They go around collecting the nectar and storing it to become honey. Doing so they, without knowing, pollinate the flowers so that the fruits will be formed and also the honey becomes food for some other creations. For one to understand the purpose of his life he must be able to look at his life in a much higher perspective so that the combined effect of the activities of all humans in the universe is seen and understood. If we conclude that earth is the only place in the universe that has human in it, it will be as good as the microbes in the stomach thinking that in the human body microbes are only in stomach and there is only one human in this universe. Yes, procreation is one, but it is only for continuity. So do the bees procreate.

Answer 6

I gave everyone here a thumbs up and you sir, get a star and an offer of a beer or three, should we ever meet. You made a very valid point. I don't know which question or person you are referring to, I must have missed it or came in too early to see the shark like frenzied feeding. Whomever she is, I am sure she is comforted by your friendship and support.

God bless.

Answer 7

I agree 100% with you. I have seen so many kids who post their poetry only to have it ravaged by unthinking people. Use constructive criticism even with older people. It does not hurt anyone to be nice. Even if the poem is trash, I try to find something positive to say. Anonymity is no reason to act like a jerk. JUst something to think about. Good point.

Answer 8

Anonymity provides a kind of freedom that cannot be had in real life.

Its the freedom from reprocussions. In a way, i would say this is pretty much the problem of the Internet in general.

Its one thing to "tell off" a person online, so much harder to do it with a living breathing person standing in front of you - whose emotional state you can see/hear/feel and probably effects your own.

Answer 9

You are wise beyound your 132 years... You will make her feel better as soon as she reads this. She never misses your questions you know... This type of mob mentality makes me think of the "good old days" when Hitler was considered to be Germany's "savior". I read her question and those answers... I will never understand how humans can be so black hearted, viscious, and deliberately hurtfull...
There is pure evil here masked by a cutesy Yapoo avatars.

Answer 10

You are so right' and i;m glad you brought it out in the open so others maybe will be more conscious of this ' when they write answers next time.I always am respectful to all as yes we are humans' and most of are grown ' so we need to act the part..