Has the internet made you a jerk?

2 points by Pfiffer ↗ HN
Has using the internet made you more impatient? Do you find yourself less likely to help people? I'm doing a survey, and your opinion would help a lot.

7 comments

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I've actually found that the Internet, and movements that I've been involved with via the internet, have given me more opportunities to help people and voluntarily contribute to society. Taking advantage of these chances made me realize how much I love teaching and inventing new things.

Thanks to the anonymity of the Internet, I have found myself saying things I wouldn't dare say in person, but those times are in the minority. Actually, having had intelligent conversations with people via the internet, I've become good friends with people whose views I strongly disagree with, and that has made me a more open-minded, accepting person. At the same time, it made me feel more comfortable with my own views, and the reasoning behind them.

This is exactly what I'm lookng for. I was thinking that people like you would be the minority, but asking hacker news, I have no idea what to expect.
Your survey sux. I refuse to participate.
Both. More of a jerk(since you can say whatever you want w/o any repercussions, so you don't really care about hurting feelings), but more likely to help people(since you have a lot more relevant knowledge to share)
No and No

Though I do think the internet has made me a jerk. I tend to give more flippant answers than I would in real life. Though I do tend to try and help people out more.

The internet had nothing to do with it.

Seriously, I've never considered flame wars to have much entertainment value. I find that I am more civil online, because there are far fewer nonverbal cues to turn a cutting remark into a jest.

I am less consistent on the internet.