The internet and the level of anonymity which comes along with it gives many the illusion that it’s okay to treat people however you want. People often think that since they will never see someone in person, they can say whatever they want. People become victims of somebody else’s pent up hostility or negative emotions, with others neglecting to understand that the target of their negativity is a human being like themselves going through God only knows what in their personal lives.
We make it what it is, which is why it’s important to do what we can to make it a safe place for others and to stand up against online bullying whenever we see it.
Many video games are notoriously toxic, and the same can be said about some message boards. Places like Reddit. In some places it has become accepted as normal to behave in negative ways towards others, at times being applauded by people rather than condemned.
It’s important to realize that a lot of the time places on the internet are where individuals struggling with day to day socialization go to try and find a social outlet.