So if the first answer is a mean one?

[lesserspottedbird]

Has anyone else noticed that a lot of threads (especially on AIBU) seem to end up as a follow my leader exercise? I've been noticing how if a perfectly reasonable post has a knee jerk, not very nice first response, it appears to set the tone immediately for more of the same. If however, the first response is a measured and helpful reply, the OP gets a much easier time of it. Makes me feel very sorry for some posters who get hounded and harrassed straight away when they may be at their most vulnerable and posting on here as the only place they have to ask for help.

I have noticed this too! Pack mentality

I've noticed that too, loads of negative replies but then as soon as one person comments positively loads more people do too!

I'm only new here and it's clearly the case here. I use a few forums so that's not new to me and it did surprise me a lot.

I've noticed it can go either way. First response is a nasty one and the rest will either follow suit and be ruthless OR they'll round on the nasty person and the thread will mostly be about them. Which is exactly what they want either way.

Pack mentality

Stop it!

I've now got a mental image of Nurse Crane shouting "pack, pack, pack"

AIBU is a joke topic IMO. Petty gripes.

If posters used the topics rather than AIBU 'for traffic' the replies are fewer but better.

I've noticed that too. It can take a while before a thread gets balanced or posts by ppl living in the real world!

Totally agree. Also notice how two people can post about near identical situations and one gets yabu and the other told yanbu!

At least it means they read the thread before posting!

Not me anyway, I always write what I think.

Yeah I've noticed that today. I don't get it. I always post the same stuff. Is your MIL a cow? I've got your back. Someone looked at you funny in the bus queue? She's cancelled. Does your bum look big in that? No you look amazing. You registered on the site today to tell us about a mum whose baby screamed in a cafe and spoiled your latte? Don't worry, we'll report it to the mum police forthwith oh no wait I don't give a fuck, leave the poor woman alone. It was one latte. All her lattes are like that now.

It’s weird - it seems to depend on the time of day and you get loads of nutters in the small hours. But that’s just what I consider a nutter so🤷‍♀️
Or you’ll get pages of replies from people who I consider oversensitive and then pages of people I consider realistic.
I think the thing with the internet it brings you into contact with people you would probably never speak to in real life so you really do get to hear some very strange views.