Internet nonsense

Every time I open up the internet, I come across a variety of issues that are becoming more and more common. What used to be a convenient place to find information is now full of “trolls” and miserable people who have nothing better to do with their time than verbally offend and insult random strangers. No matter where you look there are constant arguments and insults, 85% of which are totally nonsensical, being thrown around. Whatever happened to thinking before you speak? Apparently that mindset has succumbed to the downfalls of hiding behind the anonymity of the internet.

When you’re hiding behind a computer screen, all brain filters go right out of the window. You do not take your audience into consideration and you do not proceed with the same care or caution that you normally would in a face to face situation. You wouldn’t normally drop racial slurs or make slanderous statements about gender if you had just met someone and were having an initial conversation with them. If you ever watch a video onYouTube (on just about ANY topic), there are volatile, confrontational and offensive comments everywhere. Everyone seems to lose their sense of self as soon as they read something that they don’t like. When you’re on the computer and reading things that irk you, you normally do not take the time to cool down and think about what to say and how to effectively communicate your thoughts in an appropriate manner. The hot-headed version of you comes out and every single firewall that you’ve ever had in your mind goes flying out the window. I also find that people over-react to articles or opinions that they read online. They take everything to heart and take jokes way too seriously, or do not pick up on inflections or intonations that would otherwise be apparent in a spoken conversation.

There is also a good side to having the internet as well. In addition to the inconsiderate people who abuse the anonymity there is also the good people who use it as a vessel for themselves to let loose. Men are supposed to be “big and strong” and all that jazz, but behind a computer screen they can actually show the emotional side. They do not have to be strong and masculine; they can also be gentle, kind and show the rest of the world who they actually are. I feel like there is an incredible amount of pressure in society for men to be made of pure muscle and six packs, and for women to wear dresses and be pretty and sweet all the time. Behind a computer screen women can show their strong, independent and intelligent side without criticism from men and the same goes for men who decide to counsel individuals or show their considerate and supportive side. There is also a lot to learn from some individuals on the internet, simply because of their expertise in a certain area or life experience that, without the internet, you might not be able to gain access to otherwise.