Do you treat people online the same as in real life?

[doodlebug 3]

I notice that in a lot of boards people tend to just throw good manners and respect out the window and fling the insults left and right, not really giving a hoot how the person on the otherside of the keyboard feels.

Why is that? Has there ever been a study done on why people tend to be less caring online than in real life?

Do you all say things to people on this board that you would equally say sitting down face to face?

[almaty 19]

there are study's a plenty on behavior as related to be anonymous...

[Marilyn. 340]

I don't think I treat people any differently....

I am a little more outgoing online then I am in person though...

[homesick_american 1]

I'm definitely ruder online than I am in person. It's much easier to be brusque or mean to someone when you don't have to face them. Doesn't make it right tho. In real life, I'm shy and reserved if you can believe that.

[Ladylethal 12]

The only difference on the way I act is being more open and joking more, in real life I need to have known the person for a longer period of time before I do that.

[Mags 112]

I smile more in real life. :)

[m&n 0]

Perhaps they feel like the outcast in their "real" life and feel that they are somehow oppressed and perhaps making others feel that way on a forum is their form of revenge.

[KarenCee 3]

So why would one be more rude and brusque online than in real person? Self esteem issues maybe?

I am the same online as I am in person. I've been fortunate to meet several from the cancer support group I am a part of and they told me I am the same OL and IRL.

[*JG* 2]

I try to treat everyone the same at all times. I hope some of the responses I get sometimes (on other web sites, not here) are unique to the internet. Some people can be downright hateful sometimes.

[doodlebug 3]

I like to think I'm the same. I'm pretty talkative in real life and not too too shy after I meet someone once or twice.

[Niels Bohr 72]

I always am professional in reality. But, with board and blogging, I like to express whatever I can get.

[cander42 0]

there are 3 ways , some people get meaner online and some get so tend online and some hold still thier personality n they stay the same online or real life

[Alex+R 0]

IRL, I try not to let people know if I don't like them. Here it seems to be the first thing I want to say to someone who pisses me off. Go figure. In real life I am not in such a rush to inform people that they are douchebags.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I'm light on you guys. I work in a business that shows no mercy. Lots of ex-military too.

[MissStacey 1]

I try to be me and I let people be people. Say and do what you want. I don't have to agree, but I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But attacking another person who has a different view than you, or being rude and ignorant just because you can hide behind a screen is not very nice.