Recently I stumbled upon an online forum that had twisted itself into vitriol and attack.
As I scanned the comments I saw people get assaulted simply for posting views that differed from a few bullies in the ranks. Yikes!
That toxic forum led me to wonder … “What does aggressive language and hurtful tone do to any Online group?” 
5 harmful effects jumped out at me from these online attacks …
disguised as discussion:
1. It drove diversity away because it bullied people whose ideas differ.
2. It proliferated sarcasm’s two- edged swords and limited any chance of humor that leaves everybody laughing.
3. It instilled fear so that thoughtful people soon stopped posting their comments on any topic raised.
4. It attacked often and appeared to wait in ambush for any new weakness to jump on and expose.
5. It limited creativity or solutions through an insistence on its own vitriol in most comments.
The opposite effect jumps out from many of the best writers who stir up laughter and creativity and where opposite views tend to co-exist in ways that allows us all to rethink solutions together.
Ellen, you raise an issue here that needs addressing. Thanks for presenting this in such a thoughtful way.
Posted by: Robyn McMaster | March 17, 2007 4:46 PM | Permalink to Comment