I’m trying very hard to decide if the voice of the responses to articles represents the social and moral undercurrent of our society, or if it’s more so a digital snapshot of a small collection of people who don’t have anything better to do. This is an established part of the internet culture. When someone posts an article there is a space below for comments. Depending on the popularity, or even the controversial nature, of the article there are a number of comments.
Here’s one example: I recently read a post on cnn.com about a company that recalled a wrapping paper because it appeared to have swastikas on it. Now I won’t say they are deliberate, but it is clear these symbols can be seen. On the other hand, this may be as obvious as the Virgin Mary in a piece of toast, but someone saw it and complained. Afterwards, some people read the article about it and flamed. There is quite a bit of racist banter that happens on the net. This isn’t limited to articles. I’ve seen some horrors posted below videos or on twitter and Facebook feeds. Does that mean we are this kind of society?
The internet provides a certain level of anonymity. It is, in a sense, a white hood that anyone can put on and say terrible things. This anonymity grows when you consider how many people watch porn, comment on porn, and explore thoughts and feelings they could not in their daily lives. So, maybe the net isn’t who we are but who we allow ourselves to be when we think nobody is watching.