To think that people forget that there's a real human being on the other side of the screen

[BaldCape]

I've lurked about on various websites/forums for years. I've read the arguments, spotted the trolls, seen the bullying.
Aibu to believe that some of these nasty, spiteful comments are only made because it's easy to 'forget' that there's a live person reading this nasty shit, as it's done via a screen and keyboard?
Some of the things I've read are abhorrent. Vicious and ignorant at best. I refuse to believe that this is the way gen pop speak to each other irl. So why is it acceptable online?
This has probably been asked before, and in a much more articulate manner (apologies).
What are your thoughts?

Not sure you can forget when this type of thread has its daily appearance

Thanks for your replies!

I completely agree. I tweeted something a bit controversial but not rude, abusive or in any way offensive a couple of weeks ago and could not believe the viterol I found myself on the other end of. People being nasty not only about/to me, but also about my kids, who had nothing to do with the original tweet. They delved through my entire social media profile to dig out any personal info they could find to try and rile me. I deleted my twitter account pretty sharpish.

Rachelover40

Hi, glad I could help.

I used to post on digital spy many years ago and made the mistake of being very very honest about myself and my personal life. Most people were lovely but I got targeted by a vicious troll and it was horrible.

I've been very wary since then and tone down the details, that way if I am targeted it's not going to penetrate because they really don't know me.

Some people love being mean behind anonymity.
Sometimes the lack of tone of voice and facial expressions make it hard to detect funny sarcasm vs nasty sarcasm.
Some people ask for advice knowing that they'll get more honest advice online (rather than the 'that's nice darling' sugar coated advice they might get in person from friends)
Some people ask for advice but can't take the advice they don't like so get snarky. Unsurprisingly this happens on and off line.

friend calls their child a bizarre name in a face to face situation you smile and say “ that’s lovely “ when you’re really thinking “ holy feck why just why ?”

This. I think it's one reason why people seek opinions online - they want a really honest opinion on 'does my bum look big in this?' type questions. It's when comments spill over into the personal that threads can be spiteful.

It's one thing to say, 'Yes, your bum does look big in those jeans - have you tried a pair with a lower waist?' and quite another to say 'Yes, your bum looks big because you're a fat, lazy idiot and a drain on the NHS'.

Im not solely referring to MN, although I have seen it on here at times.
Yahoo News' comments section is brutal.
@edwinbear I feel for you on that. I've had people pm me telling me they hope my kids get cancer and I watch them die slow, horrible deaths. This was over a disagreement over something like home making, if I remember rightly.

I believe a lot of people saying stuff on the internet would absolutely say it to people's faces.

Think about what you post and how much you want random internet strangers' opinions on it.