[shrimp_emoji]

>And along comes the internet where anyone is entitled to say anything from a distance and not have to look into the eyes of the human being they're taking a scrap of dignity from.

That's the wonderful thing about the Internet; it's not real life! Personally, I think it's a hoot, but you have to sublimate the pain with humor. :D

[bhhaskin]

But the internet is real life. It isn't some alternate reality. Your actions online effect real people offline, and they also reflect you. I think a lot of people forget that.

[tarken]

If you think insulting people on the internet is fun because "it's not real life" that makes you an asshole.

[shrimp_emoji]

Don't get me wrong, insulting people in any medium is fun, but it's less fun in real life because

- you're limited to insulting only those in physical proximity, and the logistics of traveling around and repeating insults for greater insult coverage are a hassle,

- your insults are easily traced to your identity, opening the possibility of social or legal consequences,

- and, unlike the Internet, physical harm is an option in real life, which is a very bad consequence!

That's why, for assholes or political dissidents alike, the Internet is so wonderful!