Online manners
Am I being over-sensitive or is it becoming more acceptable for people to be nasty to each other? Perhaps my memory is failing me but I honestly don’t remember a time when people were so openly hostile towards each other simply for holding differing views (other than in the House of Commons and Holyrood, that is).
I blame the anonymity of the internet.
One only has to look at the comments left by people under online news stories.
I understand that these people wish to champion their own beliefs, but do they truly think they will talk anybody round by being abusive?
I am reasonably certain that doing the internet equivalent of yelling at them will have quite the opposite effect. Nobody likes getting shouted at.
Personally, I have only ever been persuaded to change my mind about something when I am presented with clear, convincing facts and the person with whom I am communicating sounds reasonable and respectful.
Perhaps people who comment online should be made to supply a photograph of themselves, as removing anonymity would shame them into having some manners.
ELIZABETH BENJAMIN
St John’s Road
Edinburgh