Difference between revisions of "Flaming"
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| − | '''Flaming''', also known as '''bashing''', is Internet slang for when a user posts hateful comments in an attempt to degrade, anger, or discredit another user. The user who posts these comments is called a '''flamer'''. A popular viral video produced by [http://www.CollegeHumor.com College Humor] called [http://www.collegehumor.com/video/3980096/we-didnt-start-the-flame-war "We didn't start the flame war"] puts a humorous spin on internet '''flaming'''. Flaming, though, is a form of internet bullying that has a real impact to | + | '''Flaming''', also known as '''bashing''', is Internet slang for when a user posts hateful comments in an attempt to degrade, anger, or discredit another user. The user who posts these comments is called a '''flamer'''. A popular viral video produced by [http://www.CollegeHumor.com College Humor] called [http://www.collegehumor.com/video/3980096/we-didnt-start-the-flame-war "We didn't start the flame war"] puts a humorous spin on internet '''flaming'''. Flaming, though, is a form of internet bullying that has a real impact to its targets. The psychological effects on a person subject to flaming raises ethical questions such as "should flaming be taken as a form of hazing, looked upon as a form of internet initiation?" or "should flaming be punishable by justice systems?" In addition, flaming is different than [[Trolling]] although both are similar attacks in nature. |
==Types of Flaming== | ==Types of Flaming== | ||
| − | Like [[Cyberbullying|cyberbullying]], | + | Like [[Cyberbullying|cyberbullying]], there are several types of flaming and activities regarding flaming<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flaming_%28Internet%29</ref>. |
===Flame War=== | ===Flame War=== | ||
[[File:Flamewar.jpg|right|200px|thumb]] | [[File:Flamewar.jpg|right|200px|thumb]] | ||
| − | Flame war is a term used to describe a viscous | + | Flame war is a term used to describe a viscous back and forth fight between two different users in the comments section or blog post. Often times, flame wars start when a user is trolling (see: [[Trolling]]) and an upstanding user or moderator attempts to yell at the person or otherwise reprimand them for their inappropriate comments or posts. These types of interactions get out of hand very quickly, as one side of the argument often has to do with posting to just instigate the other users. The flame wars engulf entire comment threads and occasionally entire blogs, which is why most moderators immediately delete all posts from trollers and remove the privileges of those engaging in flame wars. |
| − | A way users attempt to prevent flaming from ruining the actual content of a blog or other medium users | + | A way users attempt to prevent flaming from ruining the actual content of a blog or other medium is if users chime in with comments along the lines of "don't feed the trolls" in reference to the popular belief that if you feed a stray or wild animal it will return to your house the next day to get more food. In that effect, the "don't feed the trolls" comment is a plea to the other users to ignore the comments of the trolls and they will eventually get bored and leave due to a lack of response to their provocations. |
===Flamebait=== | ===Flamebait=== | ||
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=== Unfiltered Communication === | === Unfiltered Communication === | ||
| − | Flaming is prevalent on internet forums and social websites largely due to online anonymity<ref>[[Anonymous Behavior in Virtual Environments]]</ref>. It is often the case that offline identity is not one of the | + | Flaming is prevalent on internet forums and social websites largely due to online anonymity<ref>[[Anonymous Behavior in Virtual Environments]]</ref>. It is often the case that offline identity is not one of the requirements in order to create a forum account. The disconnection between users of online communication services and their respective real-world identities gives them a psychological freedom to act in a rude or aggressive behavior. The anonymity of the internet also takes away immediate physical responses, a usual deterrent to offensive remarks. |
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
Revision as of 01:48, 26 April 2016
Flaming, also known as bashing, is Internet slang for when a user posts hateful comments in an attempt to degrade, anger, or discredit another user. The user who posts these comments is called a flamer. A popular viral video produced by College Humor called "We didn't start the flame war" puts a humorous spin on internet flaming. Flaming, though, is a form of internet bullying that has a real impact to its targets. The psychological effects on a person subject to flaming raises ethical questions such as "should flaming be taken as a form of hazing, looked upon as a form of internet initiation?" or "should flaming be punishable by justice systems?" In addition, flaming is different than Trolling although both are similar attacks in nature.
Contents
Types of Flaming
Like cyberbullying, there are several types of flaming and activities regarding flaming[1].
Flame War
Flame war is a term used to describe a viscous back and forth fight between two different users in the comments section or blog post. Often times, flame wars start when a user is trolling (see: Trolling) and an upstanding user or moderator attempts to yell at the person or otherwise reprimand them for their inappropriate comments or posts. These types of interactions get out of hand very quickly, as one side of the argument often has to do with posting to just instigate the other users. The flame wars engulf entire comment threads and occasionally entire blogs, which is why most moderators immediately delete all posts from trollers and remove the privileges of those engaging in flame wars.
A way users attempt to prevent flaming from ruining the actual content of a blog or other medium is if users chime in with comments along the lines of "don't feed the trolls" in reference to the popular belief that if you feed a stray or wild animal it will return to your house the next day to get more food. In that effect, the "don't feed the trolls" comment is a plea to the other users to ignore the comments of the trolls and they will eventually get bored and leave due to a lack of response to their provocations.
Flamebait
A term to describe when a user posts a message or comment on a controversial topic or subject in an attempt to fuel a flame war. This action is also known as Trolling. The user typically has no interest in the subject but is looking for attention and entertainment at the expense of other users.
Ethical Issues
Legal Repercussions
Comments online can receive legal attention due to one of the characteristics of online verbal abusers, the legitimacy of threats against a person's life. The existence of legal repercussions against flaming or trolling are not guaranteed in every country. In the United States, for example, an internet service provider can choose to deny a paying customer service due to online abuse or the court system can be used to make Defamation, Libel and Slander claims. One of the reasons why online disputes do not reach legal status is due to the difficulty of tracking down the true identity of an online aggressor.
Unfiltered Communication
Flaming is prevalent on internet forums and social websites largely due to online anonymity[2]. It is often the case that offline identity is not one of the requirements in order to create a forum account. The disconnection between users of online communication services and their respective real-world identities gives them a psychological freedom to act in a rude or aggressive behavior. The anonymity of the internet also takes away immediate physical responses, a usual deterrent to offensive remarks.
See Also
References
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