The Psychology of Online Forums

**Torn** · 01-13-2011, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclonepride

Oh, you were wanting serious analysis rather than talk of cranks and air pumps?

Sorry, I will get to business.

"Above it all, sarcasm reigns supreme"

I don't care, just thought the article was awesomely accurate.

**Cyclonepride** · 01-13-2011, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by Torn

"Above it all, sarcasm reigns supreme"

I don't care, just thought the article was awesomely accurate.

Oh I agree. It's an interesting dynamic, though I'm not sure that any of it could be proven unless the real people behind the posts were compared to their online persona.

**Torn** · 01-13-2011, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclonepride

Oh I agree. It's an interesting dynamic, though I'm not sure that any of it could be proven unless the real people behind the posts were compared to their online persona.

The talk on here is without a doubt "over the top" and "greater than though" without a doubt. As for proving it I believe it's pretty intuitive. I know several member personally on here.

**Rickybaby** · 01-13-2011, 09:41 PM

[QUOTE=Torn;2094628 I don't care, just thought the article was awesomely accurate.[/QUOTE]

If anything it understates things. My favorite is what I've termed the "pile on syndrome". It starts with someone new or relatively unknown posting something pretty harmless. Someone else then attacks the guy from left field usually wielding insults. When the guy tries to defend himself, others swarm in and attack too. As the victim tries to defend himself the "piling on" ensues until the guy leaves in defeat, never to post again. Its great fun to watch ... unless you're the victim of course.

And its never happened to me cause I'm still here.

**Jonecy** · 01-13-2011, 09:46 PM

Great article and mostly spot on.

I do worry about kids and even some adults with low self-esteem on anon forums. They can be easily persuaded by complete strangers with unknown intentions. My son is only a little over a year old, but I'll probably keep him out of anonymous forums as long as I can or at least until he as a mind of his own. Oh boy, I'm definitely talking like a parent now....