Why are people utterly terrified of anyone or anything a bit different?

[OrangerySmorangery]

There’s a trainspotter who posts videos on social media. He’s in his 20s, is eccentric, and his enthusiasm is infectious. The way he films himself is sometimes a little strange (he uses a head mounted camera to show his reaction as the train goes by) but it’s really difficult not to like him and his videos. I should add that I have no interest in trains or the railways beyond using them.

He’s clearly living his best life and making money doing it; more power to him! It’s actually quite life affirming.

A good proportion of the comments under his videos are really positive. However, there is a sizeable minority who make fun or are abusive in a really nasty way. Mostly male I should add.

Ive just no idea why anyone would feel the need to respond in that way. He’s a harmless guy doing what he enjoys.

It's easy to be mean online. Francis has over 2 million followers so his exposure is going to attract allsorts including the horrible ones.

There's a basic human tendency to mock anything that you don't personally like. I teach teens and it's the first response to anyone who says they like a topic, hobby, TV show whatever that isn't the "right" one. I'm pretty harsh on the offenders and ask them to explain why they are mocking X, what exactly is it that they find funny or offensive or whatever but it's a perennial, ever present problem. The psychology of it is really interesting.

However, there is a sizeable minority who make fun or are abusive in a really nasty way.

That means they're nasty bastards.

Why would you think it meant they're 'utterly terrified'? 😳

You should’ve read what the men were writing on the internet about the England women’s team on Friday. Absolutely appalling.

I occasionally see the poster you describe op. He’s just a lovely force of nature.

Because I think it’s ultimately motivated by fear of something different or someone doing something out of the “norm”.

I subscribe to this YouTuber, OP, and I’m not interested in trains at all: I really just enjoy his enthusiasm. It’s no surprise that some commentators are utter shits and it’s also not surprising that a lot of them are men. It’s been like this as long as we’ve had YouTube.

It's human nature to be wary of anyone who is different, strange, behaves outside the social norms.

However this is not what you're describing. They're not terrified they're bullying trolls. Have you just discovered the comments section?

Hi! Can you pass a link? Sounds like just the sort of thing I'd like! I love people who are passionate about random stuff.

Most people can say what they like when anonymous.

need to change social media rules

Trolling is an industry in itself.

i’m not sure exactly why that is, other than the obvious - those who troll are desperately unhappy in their own lives and can’t bear to think of anybody actually living happily or contentedly.

Mental illness undoubtedly plays a part too, unfortunately.

however, I hope TrainSpottingMan has a thick enough skin to realise that, and keep on doing what he’s doing. Go for it, TSM! 😃

But why do bullying trolls bully? I do think, for some, that they’re terrified of stepping outside the norm themselves (despite perhaps wanting to) and so feel the need to put down anyone who does.

Of course, I might just playing armchair psychologist a bit too much…..

No one who is commenting negatively on his stuff is terrified of him, that's nonsense, people had always made fun of those who are different to them or eccentric or whatever. No one's frightened

I don't thinks it's fear it's just being mean. There are plenty on MN too who just love to upset for no reason.

I sometimes think there is something equally disturbing about people who spent their time online complimenting and gushing over strangers.

I think it's because people who don't really think for themselves find it threatening when someone dares to act as an individual.

There’s a theory that says that many of those who show this behaviour are low on emotional intelligence.

Those with higher EI are able to accept differences more easily.
Those with low EI are more likely to be racist/ablist etc.

SM can feel anonymous enough for stupid people to let rip and say the hateful things.

I think you’re right, OP.

Fear motivates and drives us in so many different ways, it is what underpinned Brexit, for example.

I recommend ‘the Power of Nightmares’ documentary on IPlayer (I think it’s still up there) which explains a lot about how ordinary people’s fears are played into by those seeking a measure of control over us.

I've seen him before, he's fantastic. People do fear those who are perceived as different, that's hardly breaking news so I disagree with the pp who said it's got nothing to do with that.

There are a couple of people on Instagram who come up on my feed now and then and they post themselves dancing. Many people are so mean and cruel about them because they're not conventionally attractive and aren't talented dancers. But they're clearly enjoying themselves and I wish that was all that mattered. They're brave to keep posting it.

It's not 'terror' or 'fear' though.

Some people just think they're above others and that their choices are the only 'right ones'.

For example if someone regularly holidays in the Maldives and looks down on/takes the piss out of those who holiday in a caravan in Skeggy, do you really think it's because they're 'utterly terrified'?

Of course they not.

They just think they're better than them.

Because people are bullies

Ahhh Francis! He’s bloody brilliant. You cannot help but smile when you see how happy trains make him. He’s infectious!

Welcome to the internet in 2025.

No one is safe from vile abuse.

All you can do is choose to ignore it or campaign against it if you can be bothered. Otherwise filter it out mentally.

I deleted Facebook because the comments section on lots of posts are sexist and racist and they stress me out.

Social media is now a toxic cesspit.

Also just to add, a lot of them are trolls with the sole intent of offending so don’t let them win. It wouldn’t matter if a person was run of the mill normal (whatever that means) they’d still find something.

You don't need to go further than MN. Some people are bitter and miserable, and try to spread their misery by being nasty.

why do bullying trolls bully?
to try to make themselves feel better about their petty life.

Again, you can be sure the most outspoken on the forum are the most timid, obedient, meak people in real life, who daren't say a word disagreeing with anyone. They use internet to create a fake personality.

Happy people are never nasty, they have better things to do.

just look at the abuse towards Kate Middleton then Meghan.

Their only crime was for each to marry a rich and safe guy!

People like that hate themselves and it spills out. Projection. I love him too, passion is a beautiful thing to watch.