Why are posters sometimes so vile on Mumsnet?

[Betchetybetch]

This place can seem quite hostile at times. The way some posters speak to others is sometimes quite vile. I’ve been here for 3 years, and I have seen many a head-tilty post along the lines of:

‘OP, you seem like hard work.’

‘OP, you need to give your head a wobble.’

‘I’m sorry but you have brought this on yourself.’

‘You need to need to look at your parenting decisions.’

And my most recent favourite: ‘OP, you sound like a peach.’ What does that even mean?

I know it’s the internet, but really, what is to be gained from posting things like this? Why does the age old, ‘if you you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything’ not apply to online communication?

I imagine you’ll ask why I don’t just leave, I’m planning to after this thread, as this is just not the experience I signed up for. Just looking to get some insight as to why it’s like this here before I go.

Let the pile on commence!

@RuddyP that's an ignorant prejudiced and nasty post right there!

Whether people think that a forthright and robust response is required or not, there are frequently people who go way over the top in the unpleasantness stakes.

If a work colleague of yours was moaning about something with which you disagree, you wouldn't go up to her and say "Oh FFS, get a grip you stupid bitch" would you?

you wouldn't go up to her and say "Oh FFS, get a grip you stupid bitch" would you?

No you wouldn't, and if you posted the same thing here then your post would be deleted if anyone complained to MNHQ because direct personal attacks aren't allowed. Which may be why there are more indirect or patronising attacks.

That's so childish though, "oh she was mean first so I had to be mean back". If you think someone's aggressive and offensive, why stoop to their level?

Yes I do sometimes feel like I'm back in the playground when I'm on AIBU.