What Makes an Anonymous Asshole?

Possibly the most annoying thing about online multiplayer is the presence of jerks who think they’re better than everyone else. Stereotypically, we tend to think of these guys as the prepubescent kids with no life whose insults not only lack imagination, but usually also foundation. But in reality, it’s not just these high-pitched teens. A lot of people tend to turn into assholes (or bitches, for some girls out there) the second they wrap themselves in the anonymity of the internet. But why is that?

Inherently, I would like to believe that most people are good. They are kind to their friends, their families, and people in general. This may be a bit naïve of me, but nevertheless, I live in a happy bubble where this is true. But even I can’t deny the presence of assholes on the Internet.

Can't We All Just Get Along? No.

I would venture to say that there are a number of reasons why people feel that they can get away with saying things online that they may not say to someone’s face. But keep in mind, I am not a psychologist and these are just my own private (now public) musings.

First of all, I think age does have something to do with how much of an asshole a person may be. At a younger age, kids like to rebel. They think it’s funny, or cool, to swear and gloat. Their brains haven’t fully matured yet and a lot of times, they may realize that their actions are wrong, but the full effects of what they do may not be clear to them yet. For example, I know my college friends like to talk shit online… they’re not the most mature of people at times (to their credit, we are in college). However, my dad and his friends, playing that same game, won’t say a word to the idiots online. So maybe it’s a sign of maturity and experience.

But I also believe that anonymity in general tends to bring out the less pleasant aspects of our nature. Just like we may enjoy killing NPCs in video games to relieve frustration, so too do we say things online that we normally wouldn’t. What society frowns upon in person, an individual is able to do without consequence online. Everyone has done it. We tend to be harsher when we have a shield of anonymity than when we actually have to face a person.

But whatever the reasons, it really is unfortunate that anonymous assholes exist. The respect that the majority of the gaming community has for each other is amazing when seen as a whole, but these individuals mar that sense of community. But things won’t change — it’s part of human nature to be an ass at times.

But I’m going to stay wrapped in my bubble and try to believe that everyone is a good person. And that someday, everyone will grow up and stop being dumbasses.