LUVTruck.com

There's an angry fire in cyberspace

HUMAN aggression knows no bounds.

Throughout history people have witnessed hostility in all forms and via numerous media.

So it should be no surprise that the internet, the domain of free speech, is the next frontier for provocation.

The terms "trolling' and "flaming" might confuse anyone not familiar with discussion boards, blogs and chatrooms.

They are strategies to cause arguments, incite controversy and, at worst, insult the intelligence or ego of someone else.

Social etiquette in the face-to-face world prohibits the average person from actually saying what is on their mind, especially when they are annoyed.

We are taught to mind our manners and to grin-and-bear it, even when we might be justified in venting our frustrations to those we know and, sometimes, those we don't.

The internet provides the greatest outlet.

It offers anonymity and, better still, the flamer or troller escapes accountability.

It could be argued that the attraction to the internet for social interaction has been based around a user being able to remain anonymous.

A blogger or forum poster has nothing to fear when their identity cannot be traced.

This anonymity benefits cyber-predators and scam artists.

But flamers and trollers usually reveal their identity to carry out their insidious desires in the offline world.

We are left to ponder the motivation behind the flamer and the troller.

What satisfaction does one anonymous poster achieve from slandering another anonymous poster?

The answer lies in the opportunity to "have a free shot".

With no apparent consequence, why wouldn't someone vent their anger to an audience, any audience for that matter, especially when that audience cannot inflict any retribution other than flaming in return.

At the heart of it, human beings liked to be listened to, whether for intellectual debate or mere showing off.

This is often seen on TV and talk-back radio and even on the stage and screen and in street performances.

The difference between all these media and that of anonymous on line postings is that you do not have to please your audience when you are untraceable!

Does this mean everyone has a dark and sadistic side that wants to harm others via anonymous postings if they can get away with it?

No.

Flaming and trolling is likely to attract a particular personality type.

These are people who either have a sense of diminished power or control in face-to-face social settings.

In groups, they may feel incapable of regular conversation, fearing their opinions will be ridiculed.

Compulsive flamers and trollers carry out their on line tirades because they enjoy being socially combative.

However, it must also be realized that a large majority of flaming on line is by young net users.

Young people tend to experiment with their social boundaries and skills.

They post hateful or spiteful comments that quickly reveal their level of maturity in on line discussion boards and blogs.

This of course does not excuse their behavior, but it must be remembered that on line etiquette is set by those who moderate the forums for public comment.

There are the rare occasions where attacking someone through comment on line can lead the recipient to take extraordinary measures to find out who you are to effect retribution in the off-line world.

In 2005, an on line forum poster, with the screen name "PyroDice", was found guilty of stalking a fellow forum poster. The flamer burnt his victim's mobile home to the ground after traveling more than 2000km across the United States to find where the person lived.

You might think this was done by a clinically insane person.

Actually, the flamer was a sailor, who was well educated and responsible for operating missile firing systems onboard a US navy destroyer.

He was sentenced to seven years' jail for his crime.

Forum flamers and trollers will always exist and with the advent of the internet now have a home.

They need to be kept in check by responsible forum hosts who can erase particularly offensive postings.

It is also important for hosts to have the ability to block offending posters from the online community.

They may believe they have a right to harass others.

But they may eventually learn to take part in a debate rather than inflame one.


I think we can all relate to somebody who fits the flaming person.

_________________
1980 4x4 KBD40 ISUZU/Chev Luv
Factory Fitted c190 Diesel Engine, ARB BullBar, Ramsey Winch, Custom Tilt Tray,

Great post! So true...the internet would be a great place without trolls and flamers.

And after years of owning, adminning, and modding on just about every kinda site there is - boy could I name a few.

But actually, the majority of people on the internet I've come in contact with have been friendly, kind, considerate, polite, and helpful.

And to be honest, I have to admit I've had my share of embarassing moments that got my butt royally chewed out too.

Ben!!

But in my own defense, they are getting fewer and farther in between as I get older.

BTW Ben..I'm really liking these new smileys!

Thank 79-LUV'r for the similey's.