this post was submitted on 15 Oct 2024
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"Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory" was both a lie (typically invoked to defend/justify bigotry, bullying, and such) and it also served to normalize people being assholes on the internet. "Perfectly well adjusted wholesome ordinary people chant nazi slogans when they log onto the internet, for real guys! It says nothing about their character as people because for some magical reason the internet totally has no connections to lived human experiences!"
I'm glad that the so-called rule fell out of use and the excuse rings very hollow for most people now. Also, I noticed that many "ironic asshole" comedians and entertainers from the "le epic trolling" era wound up being actual assholes that hurt people outside of the act. "Million Dollar Extreme" and Justin Roiland come to mind.
That's crazy. Makes a lot of sense.
I always tried to be the "shockingly nice person to game with" whenever I could. It was a lot more fun than just being mean to people for no reason.
I never understood that impulse to scream epithets over xbox live or whatever.
I've found the best way to really infuriate online edgelords was to be patient yet firm with them.
Like a parent.
Huh. I never saw that used as an excuse. I always took it as, "normal" people show their true colors when they feel divorced from consequences for their actions/speech