Enemy of the World Wide Web

Something that has really been bothering me lately is online bashing. It's one thing to do something that offends people, it's quite another to do something TO offend people.

I suppose it's significant to start off by admitting that perhaps this is a form of online bashing? I'm certainly online, and this might be specifically calling out some people. But it's not meant to be offensive, or rude. It's more of a musing, that I hope may influence people to calm down a little.

I just do not see the point in online arguing! It's like going to a debate, except nobody listens to the other person! Particularly since the topic of the conversations usually involves something small to start off with, gradually escalating into just a back and forth of who is a large 'fag'. What is apparently not understood by the 2+ parties involved: At no point in the argument will the other person realize that they are, in fact, the biggest fag. It will not happen. And no, after the 300 messages back and forth of immature name-calling, the original issue will not be resolved. Because after that, who on earth would admit that they were incorrect? Although I guess that's not the point of it all. The point is, there is no point. It's just "fun".

"Fun". That is not a word I'd use to describe this, although I know others who would. To me, it's fun to tease people, maybe make them a little angry, and then back off. My rule of thumb is that you can say anything you want to someone, as long as it is obviously not true. In my opinion, it is not fun to offend people I know with everything I do, and on purpose. I'm not the most thoughtful person in the world, I know that for sure. But sometimes I'm surprised at what people try to get away with online.

Behind a computer you're a different person, I realize. It's the disguise of the internet, nobody has to know who you are. I remember when the internet was just getting exciting for young people, and in school they had to start showing the videos about 'cyber bullying' and online stalkers. To always think about exactly who might be reading what you post. I don't think that's the problem any more. I believe people are thinking too much about who will be reading it... and using it as a sick advantage. You post something knowing full well that someone else will read it and get mad. And that's the point of it. Some point.

I find no glory in offending people for no reason. It's horrible. Who wants to go online and see their faith or interests or idols ripped apart for no reason? I know the difference between opinion and bashing. It's not even a fine line, really. It's a fat line that you can see from a mile away. Yet I have the feeling that people are trying to slink by it unnoticed and pretend they had no idea, while really knowing full well that they are being completely inappropriate.

But what do I know, I could be just as bad. The difference is, I try not to be, because I at least make some attempt to be conscious of other people's feelings. And I will never truly understand the joys of upsetting friends for the simple reason of stirring up a little "fun" for myself.