Why are people so 'anonymously' mean?

A few days ago I clicked on IG and saw a reel someone shared showing 40 trees that were cut down in a local (Millcroft) golf course. The course is set to be converted into a 9 hole course and the other half will become a new housing community. Honestly I am not 100% sure of what will happen there, or if it's still under debate. What I am sure of is that many of the comments were mean, insulting and just plain rude. Apparently those of us that live in Burlington are "entitled, clueless, out of touch with reality and, oh yes extremely wealthy with no concept of housing needs". Really people? What brought on this vicious response? All the post was expressing was the sadness of trees being taken down. Mind you there were many kind gentle comments, but still... What is it about the anonymity of being behind a screen? And truly, they aren't anonymous --- in a few cases I clicked on the profile and there was real normal looking human being behind it.

I guess it's similar to how some people behave in their vehicles. There is a somewhat hilarious (but sobering) video of people walking down the street but behaving like some drivers do. They pushed in front of other pedestrians, gave them the finger, called them nasty names-- all things that we as drivers are prone to but would never do face to face. I certainly have been know to mutter a few swear words at other drivers, or give them a 'look'. Who among us hasn't? These personality changes could be a study in human behaviour.

A car is a big steel and glass box with the possibility of remaining fairly anonymous. We can speed off, turn our face away and may easily avoid recognition. But posting mean and insulting comments under your own ID is a whole different ball game. I learned that there is actually a name for this - "online disinhibition effect". I guess some people lose their inhibitions when behind a screen, versus in person. Don't they realize that there is an actual human being (with feelings) that will see those comments? Apparently, individuals that do this get some type of release from this behaviour. Maybe they have a bit of pent up anger? Hmmmm, in my opinion a better way to release it is to go for a run or brisk walk, and if that's not possible a little deep breathing or meditation can do wonders! This toxicity was pretty visible coming up to our recent election. I had to wonder how people thought posting on FB was going to affect my decision about who to vote for. I don't spend a lot of time on social media, but had to mute a couple of virtual friends as theirs posts were tiresome, often inaccurate (in my opinion) and so very repetitive! I know I am a little too worried about hurting other people's feelings but I'd rather err in that direction than make someone feel bad.

You really have to shake your head at weird behaviour on social; my absolute favourite is the "cryptic poster". That's the person that posts something like "I can't even" or "I can't believe what just happened". That's it. Nothing else. Do you think they are looking for attention? It ties right in with over-sharing....but live and let live. In other words scroll on by, don't bother and please don't make a nasty or insulting comment.

Pat xo