The era of Internet relationships is at hand. You can develop relationships without even meeting in person, and you can do it in the comfort of your own home. The computer has taken over our lives. It has made reaching out a lot easier, but it has also given all the assholes with a gigantic chip on their shoulder another place to verbally abuse people. I am disgusted by the way people treat each other online. Just because I can’t see your face does not mean that you have a right to be rude! Where are your manners? In case you forgot what your Mommy taught you about being nice when you were five years old, I will remind you!
If you don’t have anything nice to say (type), don’t say (type) anything at all.
What this means is no name calling, no racial or ethnic comments, and no arguing! I know you had a bad day at work, your spouse is a jerk, or you were abused as a child. Let it go! None of these are excuses to treat someone else badly! Grow up and be nice!
It’s just an opinion, so get over it.
Your ideas and thoughts are just that—YOURS! So do not be offended or take it personal when someone’s opinion is not the same as yours. Your opinion is not the word of God, and you are not the Chosen One. Understand that all people will not agree with you, nor is it your job to make them see things as you do.
Do not say something behind someone’s back that you would not say to their face.
Gossip is like a disease. You can catch it by being around those who are infected. Just because you are at home behind a computer screen does not mean it’s okay to spread your disease. If you have something to say to someone, do just that—say it to them!
To err is human.
We are typing people! Things will get spelled (spelt) wrong. Unless you are a college professor keep your grammar tips to yourself. Pointing out every time someone spells something wrong or makes a typo does not make you look smarter. I am sure if we combed through all of your stories and comments we would find mistakes too!
Do unto others as you would have done to you.
If you leave a negative comment on a forum, story, or message, expect that you will be addressed in the same manner. Do not be shocked when your anger attracts more anger. If you want others to treat you with respect, than give them respect.
Keep your comments on the subject at hand.
If you are commenting on someone’s personal story about their dog, that is not the time or place to talk about your unhealthy relationship with your father, past conflicts with others, or those sores you have been getting “down there.” If your comment is not on topic, than write a story about your issue or start a forum on your topic. We can discuss your issues there.
Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Just because you find one other person in a sea of millions that agrees with you, it still does not mean you are right. Bullying is just another form of abuse. So just because you have an internet sidekick that is just as angry as you are does not make you stronger, better, smarter, or right. It just means you found another asshole that shares your opinion!
