Needless to say, the phenomenon is hardly confined to this forum. Fundamentally, most users of internet forums behave very differently than they would in person. By way of analogy, I find this brief Louis CK bit to be both on point, and very funny:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8062QEFk5g
Nothing wrong with disagreements, of course, but how people disagree can make an enormous difference in how conversations unfold, and culminate.
Showing restraint and being polite can be a challenge for many. I have struggled myself at times to dial back aggression, be more patient, and avoid coming off as arrogant. The simplest tool that I have found is to stop and think about whether I would say whatever I am about to post to the face of the person to whom I am responding. If the answer isn't an easy "yes", I'm inclined to edit, and dial back the response.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8062QEFk5g
Nothing wrong with disagreements, of course, but how people disagree can make an enormous difference in how conversations unfold, and culminate.
Showing restraint and being polite can be a challenge for many. I have struggled myself at times to dial back aggression, be more patient, and avoid coming off as arrogant. The simplest tool that I have found is to stop and think about whether I would say whatever I am about to post to the face of the person to whom I am responding. If the answer isn't an easy "yes", I'm inclined to edit, and dial back the response.