Internet seems to bring out the worst in people.
I have a rule that any group that is toxic, I don't participate in.
I once read a cool fact on this (below).
Thanks,
Brandon
A verbal exchange between physically present people is not only facilitated by what is being said but also by what is not being said. For example, looking into each other's eyes while talking is an important gesture in establishing what may be considered common knowledge among the interlocutors. Reading the facial expressions of the participants determine whether they get the point, whether they agree to it, disagree, are agnostic, angry, sad, concerned, disconcerted about what is being said.
The same goes for body language which is being deciphered while discussing, quarreling or debating. One step towards another may be considered a threat, an invitation, or some other expression -- it depends on the context, on what is actually being said, what that implies, and so forth. Taking one step back and putting your hands up may mean that you surrender, give up, withdraw, need a break to collect your thoughts, or perhaps a suggestion to the effect that other interlocutors should do same.
Some ten years ago we were presented with new mediums through which to conduct conversations, namely blogs, comment sections, social media, and other virtual platforms for exchanging opinions.
It's not just that we can't physically see the people we are communicating with; they may also not reveal their identity. It's possible to not know who you are talking to, or whether they mean whatever they may seem to be saying. It's not always possible to check who they are as they may have multiple profiles of which the details may not be verifiable. You can't really assess whether they mean what they say, because you can't look them in the eye, nor whether they accept this premise and not another, nor gauge their sincerity, and so on.
There is no opportunity to read gestures, body language or phonetics to align the conversation and keep it on track. There is only what is left on the wall, subject to multiple interpretations and misunderstandings, and every one of the participants are left hanging accordingly.