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 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 | + | '''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== | ||
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[[File:Flamewar.jpg|right|200px|thumb]] | [[File:Flamewar.jpg|right|200px|thumb]] | ||
| − | 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: [[ | + | 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: [[Troll]]) and a user or moderator attempts to reprimand them for their inappropriate comments or posts. The interactions have the potential to escalate, as one side of the argument is instigated for the purpose of provoking the other users. Flame wars can engulf entire comment threads and occasionally entire blogs, which is why most moderators immediately delete all posts from trolls and remove the privileges of those engaging in flame wars. |
| − | + | Some users attempt to prevent flaming from ruining content by commenting with posts such as "don't feed the trolls". This is a 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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==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Troll]] | * [[Troll]] | ||
| − | |||
* [[Griefing]] | * [[Griefing]] | ||
* [[4chan]] | * [[4chan]] | ||
Revision as of 21:37, 6 April 2017
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: Troll) and a user or moderator attempts to reprimand them for their inappropriate comments or posts. The interactions have the potential to escalate, as one side of the argument is instigated for the purpose of provoking the other users. Flame wars can engulf entire comment threads and occasionally entire blogs, which is why most moderators immediately delete all posts from trolls and remove the privileges of those engaging in flame wars.
Some users attempt to prevent flaming from ruining content by commenting with posts such as "don't feed the trolls". This is a 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.
Cyberbullying
One of the more prominent consequences of flaming is cyberbullying. Cyber bullying has become an increased problem with the increase in internet and social networks. It is considered any form of bullying that is done completely over the internet. It is usually an emotional hurt inflicted on another person. Cases of cyberbullying have been death threats, insults, etc. and have led to consequences such as legal repercussions, as listed above, self-inflicted hurt, and even suicide. This is particularly true in a younger generation. Without guidance and filtering, children can be hurtful to other children without realizing the deep wounds that they might inflict.
Known
On social networks that allow users to have personal profiles and connect with others that they know in real life, such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Instagram, etc. and so bullies can make comments to others with the protection of the internet. With hormones and emotions running high in middle school and high school, this is a really difficult time for many students attempting to figure out who they are. Sometimes this leads to them bullying or being bullied.
Anonymous
An additional part of flaming is that it can be done anonymously. Until it becomes a legal problem, there is no way of knowing who is inflicting emotional trauma onto others because of anonymous usernames and connections. Flaming can be done between two people who do not know each other and who potentially will never meet. Some examples would be on Youtube when someone posts a video of themselves doing something that they might think is skilled or humorous and people who do not know the poster may leave comments that are very rude or insensitive. Some examples can be found here. Unfortunately when people have the protection of anonymity and the screen in front of them, they forget that the person who they are targeting has feelings and may react poorly to the comments being made.
See Also
References
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