Virtual Text of Rage
Intro: In today's society there are many forms of virtual communication including texting, Facebook, and the ability to virtually comment on anything from a video about cats to a news article about Newt Gingrich. While this is an increase in technology and a way to increase the flow of thoughts and ideas, this creates a problem I call "virtual rage".
body: Internet rage is caused for several reasons. The first reason is the antisocial nature of these forms of communication. Staring at a cell phone or computer screen for hours inherently lowers one's ability to talk to people. When communication skills are diminished, anger as well as other non-commendable traits can be shown in a person.
Another reason is that behind the comfort and safety of one's phone or computer, one is not worried about saying something offensive or mean, especially if the persons identity is masked online. People write the most hateful things online and have little or no physical repercussions.
The last reason I can see is the chain of anger. If someone sends an angry text or posts an angry comment, one may feel the "responsibility" to outdo that comment with facts, but most probably the individual will just use more anger. Although this is like comfort and safety listed earlier, it differs because this reason behind virtual anger affects even the kind and benevolent. For example if someone virtually says something about a prominent leader in my church, I feel like I have to retort with sarcasm or facts or malice.
In closing, I feel that the only solution is goodwill and kindness that starts with you. You, the reader, have a responsibility to be as nice and disarming as you can as you enter the virtual world of communication so that a chain of kindness can form. This is the only way we can end this technologic world of hate.
True Ruskin true! It's so easy to send out hate when your only looking at a picture or even worse, when your identity is completely concealed (like Formspring). I would agree there's not much you can do to change it unless you do it yourself. As my boy Ghandi says, "You must be the change you want to see in the world."
ReplyDeleteNice Ghandi quote. And I plan to change this one individual at a time. It's like trying to end world hunger. The only way to do it is to cater to each individual.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a big issue also! People will be so mean to others virtually because the other person isn't right beside them. People just need to remember that saying things like that over the internet are just as bad as if they were said to their face.
ReplyDeletei think that you could get a lot of information on this, so good job picking your topic. I know a lot of people who are more willing to share something or express anger when they can't see the other person. Also you don't always read how the person would have said it, which creates more problems on its own.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. I think that this problem goes without much publicity because people who have been hurt virtually can't really go to anyone to fix the problem. There is not punishment for hateful acts on the internet and this makes the problem so much worse.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, this is the weirdest thing commenting on the internet and having other people read what I say haha. Also I would like to say hello to Ruskin Rockford Lines the 4th. I think you have a great topic too, especially since it concerns all of us. I think we have all been in a position where we have said things on the internet or on a text that we wouldn't have told them in person. Your solution of the problem reminded me of a film called Pay It Forward. You should watch that Rockford. It could change your life.
ReplyDeleteMichelle-It's difficult when you're not face to face for sure.
ReplyDeleteKatelynn-I think that's a big problem, context. I can never be sarcastic because people don't recognize it.
McKenna-I would actually disagree and say that there shouldn't be punishment inflicted. People have the right to be mean to each other. If a persons right is threatened i.e. death threats then action may be taken but freedom of speech should be protected.
Tanner-haha it's really weird, isn't it? Some may argue that saying things that might not be said in person has benefits. For example, one can be more open and more outgoing in a virtual setting. However, most of the time, mean comments and thoughts are expressed virtually as well as physically. Technology definitely has benefits but there are also plenty of negative features. And yes, the movie might change my mind.