Civility and the Internet

McS, W.C. Fields might have said it best, or one of them anyway,

It's not what they call you, it's what you answer to.

Speaks volumes, especially in this day and age of "internet anonymity".

Hang in there buddy, there's lots of folks here who feel the same as you! And we all outnumber the un-civil, by far. Very much by far.

McSpocky

Excellent

Thanks for sharing this

IMO every member of NV should have to watch this when they join the NV

Very Good post, Sir.

After today, I am convinced that the new philosophy is "you can be a racist, homophobe, or misogynist on the Internet." I wonder if half the people who make these hateful statements on the Internet would have the nerve to say it in a public space with those they are degrading standing within earshot.

My theory is that Internet incivility is present for many reasons. But here's a few that come to mind:

1. Instant and anonymous communication is a relatively new social reality. The importance of netiquette has not been fully realized. Newsvine (and other similar social medias) are newish and is still tinkering with their CoH and other attempts to maintain civility.

2. Americans love incivility...it's linked to our concepts of freedom. Politicking is a perfect example of lies, innuendos, slander and creating suspicion. It's become so bad that the truth is nearly impossible to find. The Internet is a perfect medium for this nonsense.

3. The Internet gives everyone a voice...even the enraged and zealous, who lash out, without the fear of face to face repercussions.

Great find, McSpocky. I'm glad you posted the clip. Thanks

Rather appropriate. : )

I still cry if my feelings get hurt you just don't see it. You cry if your feelings get hurt we just don't see it.

I don't want you to cry. I don't want to hurt your feelings. Please don't hurt me either.

This is a very good "thought provoker" and mine are provoked.

Every time I am on here poor behaviour is commonplace. The problem is "get smarter here" has not turned into reality for those who were not "properly turned-out" prior to arrival. In addition, the less pleasant of speech and company run in packs.

I keep working toward the notion that if those Viners who tolerate a lack of civility by those around them, would shut it down, this site would be something to be proud of.

Here is the test of sincerity. If you put up with emotional adolescent behaviour in your company, due to a desire for "friendship" and/or support for your beliefs, you are part of the problem. Another name for this type of person is a hypocrite.

Thanks for a good discussion on as good a topic as this one.

Great post. I agree 100%. As George W. Bush always said, We can disagree without becoming disagreeable. I feel we should always be respectful towards all here in commenting on articles, seeds, responding to other posts in a thread even if we disagree with about everything they believe in.

Amen.