Evil in online, the new rule of socialization. Why, from behind the keyboard, we choose the attack instead of dialogue

Why is so bad in the Romanian online space? A psychologist explains how anonymity, lack of consequences and rapid validation transform wickedness and aggression into ordinary internet behavior.

Photo source: Shutterstock

“Behind the keyboard it is easier to be inhuman than human.” “Anonymous is the unfiltered mirror of society.” “Aggression and wickedness in the online space in Romania has alarming levels. I have not seen any other social media, not even American, with this level.” These phrases, extracted from a discussion on Reddit, describe a phenomenon that can no longer be overlooked: aggression and wickedness on the Internet attract more attention than a well-built argument.

Sarcasm, rapid validation and share capital of wickedness

“If you say that the cancer is bad, someone will come to explain why it is good for the planet that the patients die, that they pollute less.”notes a user. Another considers that “The Romanians are already bad and ultra polarized by propaganda. Half are sovereigns on the brain, the rest are frustrated and there is no dialogue.” Someone summarizes: “From frustration and limitation.”

Another participant in the discussion writes that “On online you have the impression that no one has to know who you are in reality and you can tell your true opinion, without being afraid of consequences. Here is the unfiltered mirror of society.”

A user draws attention to bubble effect: “The world has begun to become too dependent on what he believes, in the sense that what he knows is certainly correct. Their justice is the true one, and when you come with a suggestion, you are automatically against them and Hate appears.”

In short, sarcasm and irony bring more validation than a well -built argument. A commentator summarizes: “If you say something insurrent, better shut up, that you are ignored. To count, you have to go to extremes, and the safe extreme is the extreme negative. If you like something huge (or pretend you like) you are vulnerable, when someone finds a hibba with you. “

Deindividualization and loss of personal responsibility

Clinical psychologist Gabriela Răileanu explains for the truth that this culture of digital aggression has precise causes: “One of the most important explanations for the spread of wickedness in the online space is related to the specificity of this environment: it temporarily suspends, or even completely eliminates, a number of factors that, in real life, limit aggressive behaviors. In face interactions, human communication is self -regulated by emotional feedback immediately: we see the expressions,

According to it, these social signals activate empathetic mechanisms that help us adjust the discourse and control our impulses. In the digital space, however, all these elements disappear or are mitigated. “There is no visual contact, we no longer feel the silence or discomfort of the other, we no longer face direct emotional reactions. And in the absence of this feedback, the moral barriers are reduced, and the aggressive reactions are more easily expressed.” she claims.

The specialist also speaks of the phenomenon of deindividualization: “The phenomenon of deindividualization, a well-documented concept in psychology, describes a state in which the individual loses his / her personal identity and responsibility within a large group or in an environment in which anonymity? applauded. ”

In short, online, the attack is not only allowed, but often encouraged by reactions and public validation. “One of the reasons why aggressive behaviors are so common in the online environment is the absence of real and immediate consequences. Rarely there are clear or efficient sanctions for offensive language, and many users feel that they can say anything without supporting the consequences. This lack of responsibility encourages impulsivity,” emphasizes Gabriela Răileanu.

Moreover, social platforms transform irony into an instrument of visibility. “The online space becomes an easy opportunity to quickly gain visibility, influence or validation. You can easily build a voice, an image, an identity that gives you a feeling of power and control. In the form of sarcasm, irony or direct attacks, a defense mechanism is hidden against your own uncertainty, a rapid compensation and a superficial one, To feel small, unimportant or invisible ”, she believes.

The real impact: anxiety, depression and isolation

Another aspect reported by the psychologist is the influence of the communication models promoted online. “Another essential aspect is the influence of the communication models promoted online. Some influencers, opinion trainers or content creators use sarcasm and acid humor as the main style of expression. And for young people, who are in the process of identity training and seek validation, this type of discourse becomes normative: it is cool, it is viral, it brings like the problem. They are still differentiated, and the tough language becomes the standard of communication. ”

According to him, it is necessary to raise awareness of the real impact of digital aggression, because the effects are not only virtual. Young people who constantly become the target of sarcasm, trolling or online ridicule can develop anxiety, depression, social isolation and an extremely fragile self-esteem. “We need an early emotional education, promoting assertive communication and creating safe spaces in which young people can talk about what they feel,” concludes the clinical psychologist.