[drivingmenuts]

They're mean because there aren't the same kinds of consequences as there are for being mean to someone you know IRL. If you and I actually knew each other, consequences could range from a "Yo, dude, not cool" to some rather illegal escalations because you would know enough about me to actually find me.

On the internet, you have my username and that's about it. You might be able to piece together enough info to come after me, but you'd have to be really motivated.

Being mean is cheap, effective retribution isn't.