Why are some people on this site so rude and toxic?

[Anonymous]

I believe there's a difference between being honest and not lying about things and being a jerk. One can express his/her opinion without being rude to others

[Anonymous]

Because this is the internet, and a virtual space where they can.
More importantly this is a space that they can get away with it.

The virtual space and the space of 'the real' are two different things.
One is essentially 'living in a screen', the other is 'the real world.'
As much as sociologists say the boundaries are breaking between the digital world and the real world, yes this is affecting young people more culturally, the real world is still vastly different to the virtual one.
In real life you would most likely not get away with being rude and toxic, especially towards a collective group of people or certain individuals.
We have collective behaviors and attitudes that are deemed as the 'norm' and the proper way to behave. The behaviors that don't follow these norms are classed as 'taboo' and can get you socially isolated, hated and sometimes legally in trouble if it develops into breaking the law.
In short there are consequences for even the slightest thing you say, that's if someone or a group of people take it the wrong way.

Whereas online you can get away with it more.
Unless someone is a massively top-notch illegal hacker, then no one is going to find out where you are and reprimand you for how you portray your 'alter ego' in the virtual space. Even then all they'd find is a vague national, regional or local IP address.
Also, this site is an opinion based one. It abides by Missouri state law that upholds the first amendment, the right to an individuals freedom of speech.
Having a certain opinion may be deemed as socially 'taboo', but it's not illegal (there are exceptions to this of course). It only becomes illegal if you act out on it. So you can behave rudely and get away with it.

That's my take on this question anyway.

[Adam1978]

People really need to learn to handle blunt people for their own good. Having tolerance for less acceptable but none harmful behavior will make you more at peace. So instead of asking everyone to change why not get some thicker hide. You will benefit from it in the long run.

[PrettyPriya]

Well, some people just do it to provoke others and no other reason than that. Some, sadly, are genuinely negative because they want to start problems.

I try to just ignore the questions that I don't have a positive view and focus on those that are truly asking for help that I can give a good opinion.

[pixie215]

because its easy from behind a screen. you have bullies, rude, toxic on here in droves but best to block them out even the ones with higher levels who feel they can do whatever they want. GAG for the most part allows it, so you have to find your way but there are decent people

[Switch91]

Some people are bitter and like making others miserable to make themselves feel better.
You're right too, there's a line between being honest and being a jerk. There are broad lines and any decent person knows not to be horrible.

[skyeee_]

im usually joking but now fr, is this ur first time on the internet?

[Asker]

Obviously not. There are rude people on all sites, but why so many rude people on Gag?

[skyeee_]

putting other peeps down is their only source of entertainment really

[Anonymous]

They have personality flaws. An attractive personality or a presentable personality is not taught in school nor the home. If it is taught, it isn't deliberately taught in an organized manner. In other words, they don't know any better. Took me a long time to see that. Lack of self-discipline too.

[aWes0MeNeSs]

Not sure, but it's true that this site seems to attract a lot of those types. I think this type of behavior is very typical of people who spend the majority of their time online and don't have a lot else going on in their lives.

[OneManOnly01]

Some people just want to one-up everyone for no reason at all

[Better_off_here]

Welcome to the internet it is how folks are when they know they can not be seen or or known to anyone else. are online forums are toxic if you ask me and are not used for the right reasons too.

[Asker]

Sorry but some forums aren't as toxic. I beg to differ

[anniisa97]

Its true, other forums aren't like this. I've talked about my personal problems here and people were sp rude about my situation. Asked another question on another forum that wasn't related to mt situation but i still had to include some info for full context, and they were so concerned about my wellbeing and asked all these questions to make sure I was OK. I mean the question wasn't related to my situation but they were still worried and so many people showed support.

Sure, the internet is definitely full of trolls and assholes but not all forums have it like gag does

[skytatoe]

Cause it's the internet and they'll never have to face you in real life.

[Cubus]

They have low self esteem and want to feel "strong" at least for that time.

[Avicenna]

It's a microcosm of the real world in that respect

[Zlantur2]

It's human nature, especially online that they can hide.

[moonpie89]

It's the internet. You can't be surprised anymore

[lrina]

welcome to the internet.

[jahaims]

Some people don't care about others feelings