Bill Maher on Twitter Trolls

[stevenleser]

As I wrote on my FB page, this is so true. I think anonymous social media and commenting allows everyone to let their ID loose. Every ugly, nasty, ignorant and violent thought that comes to peoples minds they feel entitled to hurl at people if they can be anonymous on the internet. It's really an interesting phenomenon. I was surprised the first time I got a death threat. Now they make me laugh. I grade them for originality.

[hlthe2b]

1. But, most of us don't/won't do that...

So, what do we think makes the difference?

[stevenleser]

2. I think the only thing that stops it here is the TOS and admins/hosts/juries.

In short, if an internet discussion area or social media site does not have vigorous moderation, it will degenerate into exactly what Bill is talking about.

Even here, people routinely rush right up to the line and not infrequently cross it. People say ugly and nasty things to each other here that they would never say in person or if their real name were attached.