Psychological studies on anonymity have shown that it often promotes destructive behavior when permission is also given to behave in aggressive ways that are ordinarily prohibited.
In real life, certain environments cause a sense of anonymity to people living there. When that happens people in those environments do not have a sense of community. Vandalism and graffiti are an individual's attempt for public notoriety when they are not seen as individuals and they have no opportunity for personal recognition. This perception lowers inhibitions against destructive or criminal actions.
Here on the Internet RHP is pretty liberal on what they allow posted. I know other sites that would not allow half of the things that get posted here. For example, debates on religion and politics are not allowed. The result is most people posting tend to be more polite and less controversial because the rules demand it. As I have pointed out before, 40+ years of playing chess by mail, I have never run into a really obnoxious or rude opponent. It happens, of course, but only rarely because people playing under those conditions are not anonymous. They are using their real names and addresses so there is a sense that you are playing a “real” person. Also it is understood that being rude or obnoxious would bring quick censure from the TD. Here, being anonymous, you can loosen your inhibitions and allow yourself free reign to say things you might not otherwise. That said, if you are a snot in real life you’ll be a snot here.
Originally posted by guyharrisWhat he did was in the rules you both knew and accepted at the time of starting the game. I think you are in the wrong, chances are I may have timed you out, I would expect you to do the same to me. If it was any sort of offline game I would claim the win if I could legally for example if you got up and walked off.
Because they are anonymous and untouchable.
Obviously, also people feel that the normal rules of ettiquette do not aply online, or even here at RHP in some cases: take use MMIKA. Having asked for a rapid game, he got one, but we were unable to finish before I went on vacation to a cabin in the high mountains in Norway, where there is obviously no intern ...[text shortened]... against playing with MMIKA - his rating is based on stolen games and points. Game 2920154
Originally posted by masscatSo rather than the lack of threat of physical harm, you're saying that the lack of threat of going down in someone's opinion, is the reason for a greater likelihood of offensive behaviour online?
Psychological studies on anonymity have shown that it often promotes destructive behavior when permission is also given to behave in aggressive ways that are ordinarily prohibited.
In real life, certain environments cause a sense of anonymity to people living there. When that happens people in those environments do not have a sense of community. Vandalis ...[text shortened]... ings you might not otherwise. That said, if you are a snot in real life you’ll be a snot here.
I think it's actually people online will say stupid things, and not just shut up about them when you laugh at them like I would do in real life. They say the same stupid things, and stick to their same stupid ideas... where in real life I usually only need to tell someone to shut the heck up once and they do it.
Here online, you end up needing to tell them over and over how dumb they are and they still go on with their stupid ideas. So it just seems like people are meaner online, when they are really just stupider.
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Originally posted by PhlabibitHere online, you end up needing to tell them over and over how dumb they are and they still go on with their stupid ideas. So it just seems like people are meaner online, when they are really just stupider.
I think that here online, you end up needing to tell them over and over how dumb they are and they still go on with their stupid ideas. So it just seems like people are meaner online, when they are really just stupider.
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Originally posted by PhlabibitThat sounded really dumb and stupid and you said dumb and stupid a really dumb and stupid amount of times. Stupid!
I think it's actually people online will say stupid things, and not just shut up about them when you laugh at them like I would do in real life. They say the same stupid things, and stick to their same stupid ideas... where in real life I usually only need to tell someone to shut the heck up once and they do it.
Here online, you end up needing to tell ...[text shortened]... eas. So it just seems like people are meaner online, when they are really just stupider.
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When you remove restraints or ease the rules there will always be people who try to see how far they can push things. I think forum users fall into one of the following categories: People who use the forums because it gives them an opportunity to do what they sometimes can’t in real life…give an opinion and have it heard. People who are just plain mean, nasty and obnoxious, but they are usually fair. They are mean, nasty and obnoxious to everybody. People who have legitimate questions they want answered. Then there are experts on many subjects and want to share what they know out of a desire to educate the less fortunate.
Originally posted by masscatAbsolutely. And that is my question. Why do the feel they need to push the boundaries when online? Why dont they push them in person? What in the human subconscious brings about the change that makes people, who are normally ok people turn into jerks or bigmouthes or whatever when online?
When you remove restraints or ease the rules there will always be people who try to see how far they can push things. I think forum users fall into one of the following categories: People who use the forums because it gives them an opportunity to do what they sometimes can’t in real life…give an opinion and have it heard. People who are just plain mean, nas ...[text shortened]... on many subjects and want to share what they know out of a desire to educate the less fortunate.
We know that anonymity is a catalyst for the behavior, but it is not the actual cause.
I am looking for thoughts and ideas on what the cause might be....
Originally posted by masscatRight....but what is at the root of "deindividualization"?
It’s called "deindividuation." It’s a condition where a person has a reduced sense of self-awareness. This can result in their performing behavior they would not normally do. It can be brought on by physical or social anonymity.
Is it low self esteem? Low moral fibre? An unavailable parent during the formative or nurturing years?
There was nothing about a 'fast game' in the invite, as far as I remember. I think I even wrote to the little focker as I signed off.
Perhaps I simply come from a country where gentlemanly behaviour is set at a premium, whereas the person in question simply gets points however he can.
I would NEVER timeout a person who'd gone on vacation. I thought chess players were above such pettiness. It would have cost the little focker nothing to have waited.
Originally posted by Will EverittThat's not the point: there was no stipulation as to a 'fast game' in the invite.
What he did was in the rules you both knew and accepted at the time of starting the game. I think you are in the wrong, chances are I may have timed you out, I would expect you to do the same to me. If it was any sort of offline game I would claim the win if I could legally for example if you got up and walked off.
If you are the kind of person who timeouts a person on vacation, then you are as un-gentlemanly as that little focker. Especially without giving a warning.
Originally posted by KnightWulfeI think you raised some valid points. Now shut the hell up before I slap you silly. 😠 (JK)
Why is it that internet ambiguity and anonymity make people feel like they can be bungholes and jerks and everything else? What is it about it that bring out this dark side in people? What is it that makes manners and decorum and just plain common decency fade to nothingness when someone gets behind a keyboard?
I know it happens. I know anonymity and ...[text shortened]... man just that dark at their core?
Just something I have been pondering of late. Any thoughts?