Online manners
I blame the anonymity of the internet.
One only has to look at the comments left by people under online news stories.
I understand that these people wish to champion their own beliefs, but do they truly think they will talk anybody round by being abusive?
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Hide AdI am reasonably certain that doing the internet equivalent of yelling at them will have quite the opposite effect. Nobody likes getting shouted at.
Personally, I have only ever been persuaded to change my mind about something when I am presented with clear, convincing facts and the person with whom I am communicating sounds reasonable and respectful.
Perhaps people who comment online should be made to supply a photograph of themselves, as removing anonymity would shame them into having some manners.
ELIZABETH BENJAMIN
St John’s Road
Edinburgh