NationStates Jolt Archive

Why are internet debates always saturated with anger? Is it because we're all Anon? Are the angry posters actually frustrated children with inferiority complexes? Are "sound debates" really just dumping grounds for vented fury?

I'm bored, so this is just a rant. If it looks like spam, please report it.

Two words: Blue Balls.

Sometimes it's because people have infuriating viewpoints, other times people are frustrated that they got their asses handed to them in a debate for the first time in their lives, and thirdly because acting angry can make other people angry. And that's funny.

BECAUSE YOU SUCK! GO DIE IN A FIRE!!! D:<



I don't know either. It's hard for me to get mad at little bits of ASCII attached to avatars. And even the avatars are new.

Two words: Blue Balls.

well at least you're honest about your....condition.

This (NSG) is one of the very few forums I frequent, because this is a place where people are mostly still talking to each other instead of shouting, trolling, spamming etc.

Probably because people are insisting that they're right, even though they've been proven multiple times that they clearly aren't.

Probably because it' as close to yelling as you can get on the Internet.

I don't see much anger here, and when I do, it's usually from the same few people. Ain't no thang.

it is because this is the internet. When you remove the threat of people beating the shit out of you, you tend to be less polite.
It is sort of like being drunk we are ten feet tall and bullet proof here.

Two words: Blue Balls.

See, there's this great new invention called "masturbation". It's like sex, but without the other person.

Two words: Blue Balls.That's hilarious, coming from you.

Why are internet debates always saturated with anger? Is it because we're all Anon? Are the angry posters actually frustrated children with inferiority complexes? Are "sound debates" really just dumping grounds for vented fury?

I'm bored, so this is just a rant. If it looks like spam, please report it.

I'm just as ranty and 'angry' in real life. Which is to say...I'm not nearly as angry as some people have thought I was over the years here. Mostly I don't really have patience for assholes or idiots...so if people behave like either, I'm bound to tailor my responses accordingly.

it is because this is the internet. When you remove the threat of people beating the shit out of you, you tend to be less polite.
It is sort of like being drunk we are ten feet tall and bullet proof here.

While I believe it's true that some people here wouldn't talk so big if these conversations happened face to face, I also know that there is nothing I've said here that I wouldn't say to someone's face. However it's quite likely we'd be talking over a beer anyway.

Now there are some people here who I truly believe are genuine assholes, and are just as aggravating in real life. I doubt I could be friends with them...but I could probably still have a beer with them. If it descended into a fist fight, well, that's nearly a perfect evening in my books!

Before I had NSG, I had the local pub, where I'd go in and deliberately 'troll' the university students. It remains my favourite past-time.

it is because this is the internet. When you remove the threat of people beating the shit out of you, you tend to be less polite.
It is sort of like being drunk we are ten feet tall and bullet proof here.

On the other hand, anonymity makes it difficult to accurately insult someone. The worst thing you could say to me on NSG might be "your argument is poorly reasoned" or "you're an oddball; I don't like you." But in real life, you'd have much more to work with and much more to offend with, and I, like most people, I would imagine, have to be offended before I can become angry.

While I believe it's true that some people here wouldn't talk so big if these conversations happened face to face, I also know that there is nothing I've said here that I wouldn't say to someone's face. However it's quite likely we'd be talking over a beer anyway.

Now there are some people here who I truly believe are genuine assholes, and are just as aggravating in real life. I doubt I could be friends with them...but I could probably still have a beer with them. If it descended into a fist fight, well, that's nearly a perfect evening in my books!

Before I had NSG, I had the local pub, where I'd go in and deliberately 'troll' the university students. It remains my favourite past-time.

I love trolling the green peace people. They are the dumbest people on the planet, they only know how to repeat slogans. The only problem is the bar they hang out at is vegan. God damn if I want fried meat when i drink.

On the other hand, anonymity makes it difficult to accurately insult someone. The worst thing you could say to me on NSG might be "your argument is poorly reasoned" or "you're an oddball; I don't like you." But in real life, you'd have much more to work with and much more to offend with, and I, like most people, I would imagine, have to be offended before I can become angry.

!? Why can't you just be angry in general? Think about things like Rwanda, and Darfur, and Iraq and instant coffee and your ex! These things are inherently offensive, perhaps, but we don't need to stretch our sense of 'being offended' in order to justify being angry!

I'm actually calmer on here than I am in real life.

it is because this is the internet. When you remove the threat of people beating the shit out of you, you tend to be less polite.
It is sort of like being drunk we are ten feet tall and bullet proof here.

This is true.

I would be unlikely to say any of the things I post on the internet IRL. Although that's mostly because I have a pathological fear of.... well, everything -- yes, including [insert just about anything here] -- of which social interaction is just one of myriad.

IRL I often get the reputation of being particularly grave, serious, and somewhat avoidant. People are usually surprised to find out that I have a sense of humour or an interest in talking to anyone who isn't myself. I'm not sure how I come across on here, although I suspect I don't post enough for anyone to notice me -- hence, same problem. :P

IRL I often get the reputation of being particularly grave, serious, and somewhat avoidant. People are usually surprised to find out that I have a sense of humour or an interest in talking to anyone who isn't myself. I'm not sure how I come across on here, although I suspect I don't post enough for anyone to notice me -- hence, same problem. :P

Who are you again?:tongue:

Who are you again?:tongue:

Don't tease shy people. They might run away and never come back. Which would be a shame, because I have this prejudice that shy people are often nicer than extroverted people.

Don't tease shy people. They might run away and never come back. Which would be a shame, because I have this prejudice that shy people are often nicer than extroverted people.

It's not true. They just shyly think about what an asshole you are instead of telling you up front. Shy people are NOT TO BE TRUSTED!

Who are you again?:tongue:

I'm Saint Clair Island. Who are you?

I'm Saint Clair Island. Who are you?

Don't back talk your elders boy! *rants on about how these one-month posters are getting so uppity these days* :D

With all seriousness, I did recognize you... Although I have nno clue on your opinions or anything. But at least I recognized the name! That's got to count for something, right?:tongue:

It's not true. They just shyly think about what an asshole you are instead of telling you up front. Shy people are NOT TO BE TRUSTED!
They also think twice before calling you an asshole and later regretting the outburst.

Besides, I'm quite introverted myself, are you telling me that I'm not to be trusted? I can assure you that I trust myself and that this trust has rarely been betrayed.

Also, if I should stop talking, just tell me.

Don't back talk your elders boy! *rants on about how these one-month posters are getting so uppity these days* :D

With all seriousness, I did recognize you... Although I have nno clue on your opinions or anything. But at least I recognized the name! That's got to count for something, right?:tongue:

It'll do to start with. As for my opinions, I summarized them in the player profiles thread; or you could search for my posting history in the General forum (to distinguish it from II, where I also post a lot) if you really want to know.

Of course, despite my brilliant wit, cutting intelligence, dashing good looks and impeccable netiquette, to say nothing of my discreet modesty, I suspect it would be a dreadful bore.

Why are internet debates always saturated with anger? Is it because we're all Anon? Are the angry posters actually frustrated children with inferiority complexes? Are "sound debates" really just dumping grounds for vented fury?

I'm bored, so this is just a rant. If it looks like spam, please report it.*kicks* I'm not angry! *flings poo*

Seriously, I dunno what you mean. Maybe you're reading the wrong threads?
Or trolling?

It'll do to start with. As for my opinions, I summarized them in the player profiles thread; or you could search for my posting history in the General forum (to distinguish it from II, where I also post a lot) if you really want to know.

Of course, despite my brilliant wit, cutting intelligence, dashing good looks and impeccable netiquette, to say nothing of my discreet modesty, I suspect it would be a dreadful bore.
Meh, I've abandoned II.

And it's got nothing to do with searching posts like that being boring, it's got to do with me being lazy.

And the fact that it would seem like stalking.

And the fact that you want me to look up your posts, so you have a stalking fetish. I will always remember you now as the poster with a stalking fetih. Congratulation! (Kidding of course:D)

Two words: Blue Balls.
I thought it would be funny to paint my testicles blue, but what I didn't realize is that I'm allergic to this latex body paint.
Goddamn it! Crotch. Itching. So. Much.

I used to be a bit angry on here, but then I noticed how stupid it really was. After all what we debate is not going to make any difference. I am also by nature a fairly laid back person and this is now being seeped into my posts.

If people post a comment so stupid that they make it clear they know nothing about the topic, that they haven't read the story linked to in the OP, or the post they are replying to, I feel fully entitled to ridicule them harshly.

If you can't be bothered to read posts before replying to them, or can't be bothered to make the tiny effort of quickly looking at easily available online sources to check that your argument doesn't conflict with the basic facts, you really shouldn't be posting.

If someone breaks these rules, I will savagely mock them to death, torch their corpse, and dance gleefully on the grave of their argument. Its not out of anger, its out of love. Love of idiots having their ass handed to them in a way that is tragically rare in life.

Nothing in life, and especially online, is worth getting angry over. Sometimes I pretend to be angry for humorous effect.

Meh, I've abandoned II.

And it's got nothing to do with searching posts like that being boring, it's got to do with me being lazy.

And the fact that it would seem like stalking.

And the fact that you want me to look up your posts, so you have a stalking fetish. I will always remember you now as the poster with a stalking fetih. Congratulation! (Kidding of course:D)

Ah yes, laziness -- the great motivator.

If people post a comment so stupid that they make it clear they know nothing about the topic, that they haven't read the story linked to in the OP, or the post they are replying to, I feel fully entitled to ridicule them harshly.

If you can't be bothered to read posts before replying to them, or can't be bothered to make the tiny effort of quickly looking at easily available online sources to check that your argument doesn't conflict with the basic facts, you really shouldn't be posting.

If someone breaks these rules, I will savagely mock them to death, torch their corpse, and dance gleefully on the grave of their argument. Its not out of anger, its out of love. Love of idiots having their ass handed to them in a way that is tragically rare in life.

I'll need a source for that, please.

Stupidity irritates me. Arrogance irritates me. The inability to form coherent sentences irritates me. These things are all too abundant on NSG.

Stupidity irritates me. Arrogance irritates me. The inability to form coherent sentences irritates me. These things are all too abundant on NSG.

Welcome to Costco.

I love you.

The madder poster gets, the stronger poster gets! AND POSTER IS ANGRY!!!!!!!!!!


Sorry, couldn't resist. :p

I don't get angry. But sometimes others get angry at me, which means I must be subconsciously passive aggressive.

I don't get angry. But sometimes others get angry at me, which means I must be subconsciously passive aggressive.
I don't always agree with you, actually I rarely agree with you, but I get into the same position myself for expressing socially moderate, let alone conservative, Christian views.

This (NSG) is one of the very few forums I frequent, because this is a place where people are mostly still talking to each other instead of shouting, trolling, spamming etc.

I find NSG to be a nice middle path. I've seen much worse and much better...

Don't tease shy people. They might run away and never come back. Which would be a shame, because I have this prejudice that shy people are often nicer than extroverted people.

Nope, just too shy to be snarky. I've walked that dark path before.

It's not true. They just shyly think about what an asshole you are instead of telling you up front. Shy people are NOT TO BE TRUSTED!

Indeed.

Besides, I'm quite introverted myself, are you telling me that I'm not to be trusted? I can assure you that I trust myself and that this trust has rarely been betrayed.

Highlighted for emphasis. 'Rarely' implies that you have in fact had your trust betrayed by yourself. Considering that only a deranged and and dangerous individual would cause emotional damage (in the form of betrayal) to himself, I submit that you are not to be trusted.

Ipso facto, bitch.

Welcome to Costco.

I love you.

Let's go to Starbucks.

What the fuck are you talking about OP!?

I'm not angry. I'm passionate. When I'm angry I don't post.

Nope, just too shy to be snarky. I've walked that dark path before.
It's too late for me, I think. I already revel in the sweet taste of sarcasm. No amount of being reset with new nations can take that away from me anymore.

Also, @ with Daistallia.

Why are internet debates always saturated with anger? Is it because we're all Anon? Are the angry posters actually frustrated children with inferiority complexes? Are "sound debates" really just dumping grounds for vented fury?

I'm bored, so this is just a rant. If it looks like spam, please report it.

Some of them are, but I think many of them just come across that way because many posts are fired off fairly quickly with little or no significant review.

So I think many just sound angry, but they're not.

It's not true. They just shyly think about what an asshole you are instead of telling you up front. Shy people are NOT TO BE TRUSTED!

I can attest to this.

Our power is that you can't tell when we're too flustered to talk and when we just think you're an asshole. Bwahaha!

Let's go to Starbucks.

dude, we don't have time for a hand job.

dude, we don't have time for a hand job.

This is what I miss by going to Pete's. :(

Here are some examples of angry posts:

Your first mistake is thinking that faith is based primarily on free will.

This was a response to my statement that religion is based primarily on free will. Who the hell cares if you don't agree with me? The thread revolves around the premise that religion is based on free will, so if you don't have anything to contribute, why post at all?


Horseshit.

I'm an atheist, my ten-year-old daughter is a Southern Baptist. Your 'opinion' is based on nothing.

So New Mitanni made an assumption contrary to GnI's, but I don't think it warrants such an aggressive response as shown in the quote. Maybe Mitanni's observations were exclusive to his geographical area, there are plenty of reasons why his assumption would not be universal.


How about we treat religion like the pointless, silly thing it is, and just don't tell our kids about it because it is irrelevant? If they discover it and are interested in it, then tell them what it is.

HURR IMMA ATHEISSSST. Was it really not possible to simply state that "I do not believe religion is productive," rather than sound extremely condescending toward religion?


A pile of shit.

This is another reply to a religious thread, where the OP asked the readers what their opinions on Hinduism was. If you think it's a pile of shit that's fine, but YOU FAIL TO ELABORATE, which makes the reply nothing more than a troll post.


My other (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=585094) thread has even more of this kind of crap.

If someone breaks these rules, I will savagely mock them to death, torch their corpse, and dance gleefully on the grave of their argument. Its not out of anger, its out of love. Love of idiots having their ass handed to them in a way that is tragically rare in life.

I hurt you because I love you.

Here are some examples of angry posts:

This was a response to my statement that religion is based primarily on free will. Who the hell cares if you don't agree with me? The thread revolves around the premise that religion is based on free will, so if you don't have anything to contribute, why post at all?

My new statement 'Oranges are Blue' will soon be sweeping the Internet, I do hope there's no angry comments pointing out that I'm mistaken on the premise that oranges are blue.

Point being that all too often people online take a remark as 'OMG, why are you attacking me!' when someone is merely making a point, which tends to result in a defensive [passive aggressive] post, this leads to a return post and so it devolves. There's no body language, no facial expression to truly determine the attitude of a poster, so...

I personally imagine all posters to be on Prozac, it's not hard given most posts, and thus give them every benefit of the doubt, no one knows me here so I can hardly worry about people being 'angry' to me.

Certainly some people are aggressive but it's a style not necessarily a personal attack, having said that, those people can tend to cause discussion to devolve as I've just outlined.

It takes two to tango, personally, unless I'm in a mood, which is very rarely, I'll either just not respond or I'll answer in a way that isn't reacting to the style of the comment.

Or I'll make a joke.

Even where I'm condescendingly snarky, my audience is mostly me, it's very rarely anything personal to a poster.

I imagine most people are the same, even if it's not true, it allows me to brush off any perceived aggression.