What's the point of arguing and insulting others online?

[Vesuvius87]

Why do some people like to engage in aggressive online conversations and it goes on nonstoppable? What do they gain from that? What exactly is the point of that? I'm noticing this happens here a lot.

I've reached a point that if it's really a sensitive question, I'll either don't answer or only answer what's being asked without involving offensive remarks. No need for that and honestly that's a waste of time. It's not like you're getting money out of it.

If someone asked ''what do I do, I just betrayed my partner''. Why would I answer with an ''I hope you die alone and get dumped, you people suck, you're stupid''. It's already obvious they're in the wrong. Why reiterate it? Instead I'll just answer ''You might be having unsolved issues or maybe aren't ready for any relationship at this moment. I suggest you seek help to find out what the root of the problem is''.

It's one thing to disagree and state your opinion but another to go straight forward towards the abusive remarks.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

It’s usually done for a few reasons that I can guess off the top of my head.
1. The lashing out is a subconscious defense mechanism, they can relate to the problem in the question for having experienced something like it and it ended very poorly for them so in order not to feel any psychological pain, they instead disconnect themselves from it emotionally in order to mock it or lash out as a way to defend their ego and their own hurt feelings.
2. They’re bored and picking a fight is easy entertainment
3. They genuinely dislike the question for whatever reason and choose to take it out on you, this form of judgement often stems from a place of insecurity surrounding one’s idea of their ideal self and how they’re not meeting those standards currently.

[Vesuvius87]

Great points. Little do they know, they've just wasted minutes to hours of their time. There will be other posters likely posting similar questions to the ones they hated and it must be exhausting having to once again go through the ranting exchanges.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

I think you assume too much. They don’t see it as a waste, they’re just passing time. No one here actually has shit to do when they post or answer questions lol

[Vesuvius87]

I guess if they consider that passing time, ok. Though there are other fun things to do too.

[northerngal]

I totally agree. I try to disagree without being disagreeable. But often do fail. Some of the total pigheaded lack critical thought and cult like behavior makes me lash out (usually with sarcasm)... I am only human. Still its not correct. We need more empathy and respect in this world.

[Vesuvius87]

Indeed. By the way there are ways of sophistically calling out someone that's in the wrong without insulting them and they won't even notice it. For instance imagine you want to say ''you're crazy, out of your mind'' in a hidden, elaborated way and it would sound something like this ''You must in a tough position and this can affect the way one functions cognitively. Have you consider seeking therapy''?

[northerngal]

Oh I agree. I do think social media allows people to hide and say things they would never say face to face as well. But that should not be an excuse. Why behave uncivilized just because you are online? Still I do have my slips. My barbs can be quite sharp at times... still when i lash out and lose my cool I feel bad and admit they "won" by getting to me.

[northerngal]

Good question by the way.

[Vesuvius87]

Thank you

[jshm2]

What's the point of your gatekeeping what others do online?

You failed to pass the exam to be a cop, and your criminal record prevents you from trying again; so you try and be a crooked cop, or whiteknight online, is that it?

You cannot bitch about free speech, while claiming to "protect" it.

Free speech America style is a fucking stupid concept , and it's why you're fucked as a society and country now. But you seem not to understand why, and that is tragic.

[Vesuvius87]

That's quite defensive. There were times some hurtful comments like those were actually taken off when it got reported. Maybe the person might be in need of help and hurling insults isn't helping.

[Ez-Bri-Z_v2]

Its an emotional response to the question being asked. Instead of looking at and answering the question objectively, they put feelings in the way because they feel excited or upset about the question being asked.

As for the point, well, I'm not sure there is one other than a need to make others see things from your point of view. We get into our camps and everyone who isn't part of that camp is the enemy. We've always beena very divisive society like that.

[Vesuvius87]

They really waste so much energy putting all their emotions there. In the end, they haven't answered the question and the poster might even leave for good. They really need to take some time and chill.

[Ez-Bri-Z_v2]

I dont think a lot of them care if they leave. As I said, they see them as the enemy, and if they can chase them off, then that's just as good as converting them over to their point of view.

You're right, though, in that if people leave, it makes this site even duller than it has become.

[Vesuvius87]

I wonder if they ever get exhausted at some point, esp after new posters ask similar questions that got them upset.

[virtualwasp]

some people on here know me in person and us this site as a tool to continue their bullying campaign. Sometimes i feel the need to shut i down and other times just highlight the evidence for others.

[Jennz6]

Great question

[Vesuvius87]

Indeed. I fail to understand the logic of even spending minutes engaging in aggressive responses.

[Jennz6]

@Vesuvius87
Same

[TwoToTooTutu2]

Makes me feel better about my mike and Ike

[Vesuvius87]

Is it like a hobby to you?

[TwoToTooTutu2]

No, it is a joke.