There hits a point when intimidation goes a step too far. One of the trending issues in gaming is GamerGate, where women who happen to be involved in gaming are being verbally attacked. Of course, at some point it spread a bit into anyone remotely dealing with gaming or those people. This intimidation, like any other form of bullying, needs to stop.
The impulse is obvious: Internet sites allow an anonymous option that you can take advantage of to keep your identity hidden. This means that some trolls take advantage of the situation to write something vulgar on the wall knowing that they won't likely get caught. If you disagree with what is being said it is far too easy to just right something on the wall that is just there to offend and hopefully get someone's goat. Just like a tag on a random wall, the idea is show you were there, tick someone off, and then disappear into the night without getting caught.
Well, it has to stop. You know that words can hurt; sure you can look like you ignore them, but if someone says enough of them they can do some actual damage. Because of this you need to seriously debate what you say online before you say it. You need to start debating what you are saying before you post it. If all you can do is use racist or sexist insults then you just shouldn't post. If necessary, use phrases like "SMH" or "Seriously?" if you didn't like the post. If the facts were wrong, correct them, but make sure your corrections are right. But never just insult the person, and definitely do not threaten them; if you're lucky you will be banned, if not you could be facing actual jail time.
People are starting to take those insults and threats seriously. You can no longer be an anonymous troll without repercussions. Write accordingly. If you can't write anything nice, debate saying it in the first place. Of course, if you can offer constructive criticism, do so; nothing aggravates someone more than being proven wrong. Try that if you really want to be annoying.
The impulse is obvious: Internet sites allow an anonymous option that you can take advantage of to keep your identity hidden. This means that some trolls take advantage of the situation to write something vulgar on the wall knowing that they won't likely get caught. If you disagree with what is being said it is far too easy to just right something on the wall that is just there to offend and hopefully get someone's goat. Just like a tag on a random wall, the idea is show you were there, tick someone off, and then disappear into the night without getting caught.
Well, it has to stop. You know that words can hurt; sure you can look like you ignore them, but if someone says enough of them they can do some actual damage. Because of this you need to seriously debate what you say online before you say it. You need to start debating what you are saying before you post it. If all you can do is use racist or sexist insults then you just shouldn't post. If necessary, use phrases like "SMH" or "Seriously?" if you didn't like the post. If the facts were wrong, correct them, but make sure your corrections are right. But never just insult the person, and definitely do not threaten them; if you're lucky you will be banned, if not you could be facing actual jail time.
People are starting to take those insults and threats seriously. You can no longer be an anonymous troll without repercussions. Write accordingly. If you can't write anything nice, debate saying it in the first place. Of course, if you can offer constructive criticism, do so; nothing aggravates someone more than being proven wrong. Try that if you really want to be annoying.
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