Are keyboard warriors becoming more common?

[Bibliophile]

I'vc been getting the odd anonymous message on various websites. They tend to be rude towards me, or asking why I dislike someone (when generally I do like the person). Is anyone else having this problem?
On my blog I don't *want* to turn off anonymous comments, but I don't know what else to do?

Thank you.

[Reverie.]

I avoid these things tbh, but I've seen things around a bit. The computer screen is obviously the ultimate protection for people too scared to say things personally or with some sort of identification. I wouldn't let it get to you really, if they aren't big enough to actually show who it is saying these things, just delete the comments or whatever. If they do bug you, turning it off is a good idea though. Don't be down over it.

[waiting.in.the.wings]

I agree, a computer screen is the place for cowards. People hide behind them to say horrible things.

Just ignore them, if you do, they'll stop...hope this helps!

[Briana]

I know what you mean, when I get those type of messages, specially on like Tumblr or Formspring, I hit delete and forget about them. They most likely would never say those things face to face. You just have to ignore it and move on with your life. It may be hard, but be the bigger person ya know? I barely ever respond to hate mail. Just hang in there.

[Bibliophile]

It doesn't bother me. Most of the time it just amuses me. It makes me curious as to who it is, though, as it's obviously someone who knows me quite well.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

The whole idea of the computer and Internet is an illusion of anonymity. People can feel empowered at their computer because there is nobody there to challenge their authority to prevent them from typing something. That is, they can be penalized for what they type but nobody pulls their hand away from the keyboard saying, "no, you cannot type that".

The idea that if you ignore them then they'll stop doesn't always work, in fact it could increase.

I suppose the frequency a keyboard warrior types is more common because there are new gadgets, people don't need to wait until they get to a computer to type. They can use their phones to type then and there as well as take photos, so in academic and work settings, they can express themselves immediately. This in turn may increase the amount of new keyboard warriors because they see the frequency increasing so it's becoming less of a minority (although still may be a minority, I'm not sure).

Certain sites are getting more well-known for this kind of stuff so more people join in, such as on YouTube.

I suppose the fact many keyboard warriors aren't faced with punishments (NOT law enforcement), such as being hacked and having their information destroyed, makes them think there's nothing the person on the receiving end or observers will do. It's somewhat like pestering or bullying, in that the bullies may not be successfully overtaken by the receivers or observers very often. It's the main reason why a bully won't often target someone who they know can overtake them. Alternatively, a bully won't often target a weak person who has powerful loyal friends as the bullies do not want to have their face beaten black and blue. Likewise, they don't want to piss off someone who easily has the capability of sending their computer to the Stone Age.