I've supported same sex marriage for a very long time and so I've had disagreements with Christians but in those pre social media days there wasn't the violent memes etc. We just ignored people and got on with life.
Yes, I haven't delved into it too much, but I now understand that online outrage and anger is somewhat addictive.
i'm guessing it's because when you're anonymous behind a screen, you can give vent to feelings that you would normally moderate. You couldn't get on in the real world if you said even a tenth of what people say online.
So there's something liberating about being able to say fuck no, that's shit, you're an idiot.
Add in the victim complex, with all your online mates egging you on.
And you've got furious outrage wrapped in a persecution complex, with zero exposure to real-world mitigation.
And yes, that is indeed why it can be very sad. Because when they come up against the massive brick wall of real life, everything shatters.