Does Using Internet Forums

[-Talbot-]

make people oversensitive?

[ummmm]

They should toughen people up.

I really don't understand how some people survive the real world when they are so easily offended.

Some people are offended by the fact that some of us don't believe in God!

It's a cruel world out there :-)

[Prudie]

Do your own homework you lazy git

[jim360]

I don't think it makes people oversensitive. Some people were already. But being on internet forums exposes people to a lot more potentially offensive material or remarks than they might otherwise encounter. And, for that matter, some people seem to feel they can get away with being a lot ruder on the internet than they would if face-to-face with someone.

Really the internet just makes what was already there a lot more noticeable.

[-Talbot-]

Perhaps I should have added

Does it also make people pretend to be more sensitive than they really are.

I think some posters think...ooh I had better show my disgust on that or this so the mask doesn't appear slip.

[ummmm]

Yes...I believe there is a lot of pretence.

[Booldawg]

It does always make some people more aggressive in putting an opinion over. Keyboard warriors, trolls etc.

[sunny-dave]

I'm shocked and disappointed ... give me a few minutes and I'll check with the DM to see why.

[Hypognosis]

I think it's idiotic machismo at the root of it. Some have a compulsion to 'win' any discussion and if that involves taking the moral high ground over the other contributors then that's what they'll do.

I can't claim to be above this behaviour myself. Frankly, it's embarassing.

Anyone for a chili-off?

[jno]

you'll have to do better than disappointed, sunny dave - where's the fury?

[Snafu03]

you've only got to read comments on any youtube video to realize how brave people get behind a keyboard

[ummmm]

You've only got to read what some people write on facebook. It's highly amusing especially when you know they wouldn't say boo to a goose.

[Booldawg]

Facebook tends to be a bit more reserved as it concerns your real name and (often) people you know in 'real life'

That's why its good never to log on to FB after imbibing even moderate levels of alcohol.

[-Talbot-]

I think it's idiotic machismo at the root of it. Some have a compulsion to 'win' any discussion and if that involves taking the moral high ground over the other contributors then that's what they'll do.



That's a great answer, Hypo. (but Prudie's a mate and can be intimidating)

[mccfluff]

it makes me want to bang my head against the wall

i think a fortnight on mumsnet should be compulsory for anyone wanting to toughen up

[sunny-dave]

But can you imagine 'dadsnet' ... ?

[mccfluff]

i suspect that would be boring, boobs & fishing..... :-)

[Hypognosis]

No problem, Talbot. Prudie's BA made me laugh as soon as I opened the thread.


@mcfluff

Do blokes ever dare to venture onto mumsnet? Anything there for us?

[237SJ]

I don`t think it makes people oversensitive. It just makes them pretend to be. It would be interesting to see how many people (in real life) actually practice what they preach.

[mccfluff]

i've only ever ventured in on occasion, i've never dared to join... i'm not a mum & not taking that lot on!

[-Talbot-]

Well you have piqued my interest, Fluffy.