Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

Some recent news stories started me thinking about how the internet is seemingly increasingly used to 'behave badly'. Hackers, trolls, WUMs of today seem to form a large proportion of those who previously would simply have been called bullies. They can say what they like from the comfort of their homes and target their victims on their screens. Bullies of the past had to put a bit more effort in to get their 'desired' result, so it seems that the internet simply makes their lives easier.
I wish there were a more effective way of dealing with this downside of the internet.

Re: Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

Yes.

Re: Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

These people have always been there, bullying at work or in schools, behaving badly wherever they go with no hint of manners . I think we may be more aware of them now because their activities are less insidious and touch a larger number of us because of the internet.

Re: Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

While you are right there have always been these people I think the anonymity of the internet means they know there will be no come back so they say what they want with no worries. Imagine some of the things said here in the past being said in real life the WUM would have a flattened nose in no time but with none of us knowing them they get away with it.

Re: Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

And a thousand times yes.

Re: Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

Excellent post, Julie, I completely agree.

Re: Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

I agree OU and we have seen evidence of that on this site. As I have said before, don't say anything on here that you wouldn't say in front of your children or your parents.

Re: Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

I hate to hear about bullying and yes the internet is full of it
I refused to get a laptop because of this, I hated the internet having heard all the vile stories, then Hubs got one and I found we could choose and 'find' good things out there.
I wished so hard something would be done about it all, and it seems things are in motion now but a long time coming - too long !

Re: Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

I had a stalker on another forum, it was most unpleasant when he threatened to visit one of my children!

Re: Does the internet facilitate unpleasant behaviour?

Although I agree with this, I do think, in general, some things seem to have deteriorated and many people get away with far more today - no surprise then that it happens on the internet.

Some folks can be very brave behind a screen and in the comfort of their armchairs, I suppose many of these wouldn't bother if they had to make more of an effort!!!
It must be very difficult to police.