this post was submitted on 17 Nov 2023
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Why are people so adversarial on social media? Why do I keep seeing people setting traps, or baiting people? (beehaw.org)
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by taanegl@beehaw.org to c/chat@beehaw.org
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Social media is one hell of a drug. It'd have you swallowing giant gummy worms whole at the back of a sip'n'strut. Oh sure, the catharsis is nice, but at some point you'll need to ask yourself "why are we like this?"

Lately I've been noticing how some comments make me want to exclaim "IT'S A TRAP!". Obvious, open and quite frankly kinda basic baiting, like some disgruntled parent at a PTA, smacking his chest with his bare hand, telling another parent "cash me outside bro how bout dat?"

Like okay, this one comment was doing a set up where the intention was to either get someone to A) depose Hamas or B) defend Hamas, with the intent of jumping down someone's throat.

Why are people like this, mommy? And why am I calling someone "mommy" on social media? Can't we just make homemade cookies like we used to do on rainy nights, and be happy? And why is daddy always drinking the unhappy juice? I think I probably already answered that question...

Mommy, I want McDonald's!!!

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[–] Hirom@beehaw.org 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

Do you know of a study that have confirmed anonymity as a cause of hate or agressive speech online?

It may not be that simple, even if that sounds plausible. But there's the argument that anonymity is helpful to protect against some agressive behaviors.

While there are many examples of people using anonymous social media accounts to abuse others online, it’s equally clear that anonymity can be a lifeline to many users and communities. Posting anonymously can allow people to protect themselves – to openly discuss and deal with complex topics safely. It can allow people to speak out about abuse, and seek information.

From: Online abuse: banning anonymous social media accounts is not the answer, by Harry T Dyer

[–] sculd@beehaw.org 3 points 1 year ago

Anonymity provides protection to LGBTQ+ people. Yes, of course it does!

And it also provides protection for bigots who would probably face consequences if they try 4chan talk in real life.

[–] Overzeetop@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Posting anonymously can allow people to protect themselves

There it is. A knife can be used to prepare dinner as easily as it can kill a man.

Anonymity doesn't cause hate or aggression, it enables it by removing consequences. The hate and aggression has always been there, it now has an outlet where the aggressor can be offensive without repercussion and still see the reaction from others.

[–] Hirom@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

I think the question is whether anonymity cause or enable hate speech, not hate itself. And as important, wether banning anonymity can be a remedy against hate speech, without causing harmful side effects.