You Know What Yanks My Cord …

… the lack of inhibition some people have on the Internet.

While most people manage to exercise proper etiquette online, it seems that some people never got the memo (in e-mail form) that rules of behaviour apply in communication with people who cannot see or hear you.

Just the other day, someone felt inclined to comment on one of my articles accusing me (falsely) of not truly being a supporter of free speech, but rather pretending to for the sake of defending Bill Whatcott. No evidence was provided, though the anonymous commentator implied that he knew me, something I am sceptical of.

In any other context, this would be unthinkable. I could not imagine giving a presentation in class only for a stranger in the audience to call me a hypocrite or a liar without providing any evidence.

Of course, people have left worse comments on the Internet than the supposed acquaintance of mine. Some of the most repugnant remarks I have ever come across online were those regarding the YouTube music video for Rebecca Black’s “Friday.” Comments were made telling her to develop an eating disorder in order to become more attractive and to commit suicide, among other things.

Do people not realize that ethics extends to cyberspace? If there is something that you would never say to anyone in person, then why would you say it online? People need to learn how to act morally, or at least learn to use discretion.
Before you comment on an article, stop and think (if you are religious, then pray) about what you are writing, and yes, that includes commenting on this article.
– Hayden Starczala