Internet Age Yields Poor Results on Human Interaction

Internet Age Equals Instant Gratification Online But Yields Poor Results on Human Interactivity In the Real World

We live in an age where we have come to expect instant gratification in every level of our lives. We are accustomed to instant access to food, drink, and even our favorite TV programs. Instant access to books, newspapers, and information. Instant access to pretty much whatever we want when we want it. The problem with this is we don't realize that human emotions don't change as quickly as everything else in this world. Our high expectations for fast gratification make human interaction a little harder now.

People now hide behind their Internet persona, launching massive attacks on fellow human beings without really understanding the true consequences of their actions. They only think of their own quick gratification and never of the long term effects of their actions. Yes the Internet is great, and one can accomplish much in quick succession online, however it is important to remember that much of what we place on the Internet will also still be there in years to come. Exercising a little humility and high moral standards should be a prerequisite for moral online behavior.

Many people become online bullies in forums, chat rooms and game rooms because they feel the anonymity provides the perfect cover for being jerks. They think they can hide behind this anonymity and do whatever they please without facing any consequences. Unfortunately many times their interactivity in real life takes a quick nose dive as well. The bully often starts losng their ability to function and interact properly in real life situations with friends causing them to be viewed as jerks in general resulting in loss of friends, jobs and estranged family relations. Even the online bullying has consequences to both parties involved. The bully may not feel bad until much later, sometimes later in life sometimes just days later. The one bullied still feels the sting of the blade even though the point has been blunted slightly by it not being in person.

Hiding behind a thin cloak of anonymity sometimes fails, in which case the truly hateful things that have been said may come to light. Online bullies occasionally are found out and confronted in real life because of some of the hateful things they said about another online.

Whether online or in the real world people should treat others with dignity and respect. If you wouldn't say it to their face, you shouldn't say it online.