Ego

[Kenryoku_Maxis]

hYpnochronic said:

I've wondered if maybe it's a possibility that these people who live this way do it in every aspect of their lives. Is it the de-evolution of social behaviors in general? Does the ability to remain hidden bring out the worst in people? And if so, is that their true selves? This seems to be the same reason things like racism and homophobia feel far more prevalent online among the faceless than you will ever see in everyday life.

I don't really think the majority of these people act this way in real life.  Heck, I know some people who are constant forum hoppers and even ACT this way on forums, but they're the complete opposite in real life.  The internet is an avenue for people to be something they aren't.  Its also a land where restrictions and inhibitions do not exist.  The only limitations placed on a person are what they put on themselves and if a moderator happens to read their post (and care).

In other words, people do things online they can't get away with in real life.  And many of the loudest and most aggressive people online are the most quiet and anti-social people offline.  This can also be a possible lead to why they are so vocal to any challenge to their authority, as they see the internet being their only real social outlet and only place where they are ‘the boss’.  In their mentality….