(Picture courtesy of Flickr)
In the world we live in today, it can get a little scary to see the things that people will write on online forums or even on Youtube.
For example, on a certain popular online forum in Singapore, its Terms of Use includes this:
“All members are advised not to use any form of obscenities and vulgarities in your posts/threads and/or PMs. This includes the use of language as well as images… Don't attack others. Personal attacks on others will not be tolerated. Challenge others' points of view and opinions, but do so respectfully and thoughtfully… without insult and personal attack…”
Yet the site is one where vulgarities and coarse language fly unbridled. Away from the keyboard, would the same person still be as mean-spirited and vulgar and coarse in person? I suppose to a certain extent, but hiding behind that keyboard sure gives him the boost to behave five times worse.
It blows my mind.
If a friend shares that he is getting depressed and having negative thoughts, would you tell him to go kill himself and make a quick ending of it?
If a friend celebrates a victory, would you be a cold blanket and insinuate that “something” must be up?
Sure, you can argue that on the vast Web, there are no such things as ‘friends’… but surely there are still communities and basic human respect?
Please… Don’t dance under the “freedom of speech” banner and conveniently hide behind that. With the freedom of speech comes the responsibility of that speech. Hiding behind that keyboard makes people write things that they ordinarily would not. Surely there must come a point where anonymity cannot merely used as a cover!
I think Spiderman summarised it best with this…
With great power comes great responsibility!
