I've seen just about every forum I've been involved with go through phases of increasing and decreasing levels of toxic, sarcastic, or generally non-productive posting. I would like to go along with stereotype and claim its the youngsters, but I've seen plenty of people of all ages doing it.
Also noticed how people develop an obsession to seek out a nemesis that they can hunt down and prove wrong any time they post. I have certainly had people do that to me on various forums, and I catch myself wanting to do it too. Usually I when catch myself, I take it as a reminder to be polite to someone today, especially on the internet where there is no penalty for not being polite.
Treating others with respect and courtesy is something we do for ourselves, not for them. So many people never are taught this, and never work it out on their own. I don't think that is anything new though... its just exacerbated by the lack of accountability on forums.
Also noticed how people develop an obsession to seek out a nemesis that they can hunt down and prove wrong any time they post. I have certainly had people do that to me on various forums, and I catch myself wanting to do it too. Usually I when catch myself, I take it as a reminder to be polite to someone today, especially on the internet where there is no penalty for not being polite.
Treating others with respect and courtesy is something we do for ourselves, not for them. So many people never are taught this, and never work it out on their own. I don't think that is anything new though... its just exacerbated by the lack of accountability on forums.