Worst of the worst

[TheAmberPeer]

I have been on this site a few years now and there are some lovely genuine posters on here. BUT I have read and come across some of the nastiest and bitchiest people, (mostly women) that I have ever encountered on any social media platform.
Some responses to some poor people is close to bullying!
I can't be the only one who thinks this??

You aren't the only one who feels that way, this thread is started at least a couple of times a week.

I haven't noticed!
It's a shame, because this could be the only outlet for some people and I know a lot don't even bother posting now because of the abuse they get.

They do it to get responses and derail the thread - it's been going on since the internet was invented.
Everyone who responds to them, quotes them, engages with something that's just there to provoke a response is feeding them, but people can't help themselves (me included!).

Report them, scroll past them and continue talking about the actual topic of the thread, is the best advice.

What @NescafeAndIce just said.

It’s the internet. It’s like this on any forum. If you can’t handle it then don’t use it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also I've seen threads like this on here for 15 years.

there will be some helpful posters probably around soon to point out that you could leave. Don't you know what social media is like? Etc erc

Bingo already wow even I'm impressed

Yes! See above! Some just can't help themselves it seems 😆

It seems to me that many women who use MN don’t have many if any friends IRL. It’s hardly surprising.

If you look up some of the unnecessarily nasty or argumentative posters, their threads and posts show they lead miserable lives. Many use it as an outlet for their frustrations at life because they can take it out on others in an anonymous way, where they can get away with it, keyboard warriors, if you will.

There are a few usernames I recognise straight away and they’re just horrible, jealous people.

I have seen some of your posts and they seem to be quite unpleasant. Are you able to give any insight into the mind of someone who writes caustic and nasty comments on the internet? Genuinely. Are you like this in real life too? I would like to understand why.

Yes. I assume happy and content people don’t need to communicate like that.

She didn’t say she can’t handle it. You’ve proved her point.

True and fair.

Though I may be guilty of having posted some snappy responses myself at certain threads.

Especially the 'AIBU to think SEN kids are reeeeallly annoying and should be locked up' type ones (I'm a SEN mum - you post that you're getting short shrift from me).

Or the ones banging on about immigrants.

I have often thought about what some of these posters are like when away from their keyboard and if they talk to people in IRL the same way they do on here.

What a mean thing to say

You have to remember some people are incredibly lonely & bored so have nothing better to do but lash out. I think the majority of posters are normal though.

Being a bit snappy, upset or defensive over a thread that matters to you is fine. We have all done it. It's the ones that seem to go out of their way to say something spiteful and derail threads for what? Give themselves a bit of a pat on the back for upsetting people.

@Flamingojune its harsh but is it untrue though?

I very much doubt it, you wouldn’t get far talking to people like they do on here IRL.

I mainly talk to AI nowadays if I need advice.

Sarcasm?

Definitely noticed this too. I truly do not know how people can be so cruel for next to no reason. By all means argue your point but to be nasty for the sake of it? Somethings seriously missing in their lives I reckon.

It’s everywhere. Reviews for books I’ve noticed have become particularly nasty, often targeting authors and just being cruel with no real point.

I do sometimes think, imagine that was your life? Running round leaving horrible comments online. Just end up feeling sorry for them.

There is nothing inherently wrong with being direct or even blunt. It’s the nasty digs which feel so pointless. Esp when they kick someone who is down. I wonder if people have always been this mean, and the internet enables it now, or whether some people have become more unpleasant.
And no, I am not saying that everyone should #bekind. Just don’t be a nasty dickhead, esp when talking to someone who is struggling.

I don’t think directness or bluntness is wrong but it’s when a thread is completely derailed by posters tearing into the OP for something random or just being spiteful for no reason.