Difference between revisions of "Flaming"
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| − | One of the more severe side-effects of flaming is [[cyberbullying]]. Cyberbullying is considered any form of harassment, threats, or blackmail that is perpetrated completely over the internet. It often inflicts severe emotional pain on the receiver. Past instances of cyberbullying include insults, stalking, and death threats, and have led to consequences such as legal repercussions, self-inflicted injury, and suicide; this is particularly common in younger generations, as cyber bullying has become a larger problem with the growing prominence of social networking. | + | One of the more severe side-effects of flaming is [[cyberbullying]]. Cyberbullying is considered any form of harassment, threats, or blackmail that is perpetrated completely over the internet. It often inflicts severe emotional pain on the receiver. Past instances of cyberbullying include insults, stalking, and death threats, and have led to consequences such as legal repercussions, self-inflicted injury, and suicide; this is particularly common in younger generations, as cyber bullying has become a larger problem with the growing prominence of social networking. Cyberbullying allows bullies to attack others without seeing the repercussions. However, the repercussions are real and institutions are now starting to recognize the problem and create mechanisms and rules to prevent it. |
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Revision as of 15:46, 9 April 2018
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, however, is a form of internet bullying that has a substantive impact to its targets. The psychological effects on a person subject to flaming raises ethical questions of whether flaming should be viewed as a form of hazing, internet initiation, or a crime punishable by justice systems. Flaming is not to be confsused with 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 of a social media post. Often times, flame wars start when a user is trolling 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 posting comments to the thread, such as "don't feed the trolls". This tactic draws from the idea that feeding a wild animal will encourage it to return to your house in search of more food. With this in mind, "don't feed the trolls" is a plea to the other users to ignore the comments of the trolls so as to not encourage them to continue their behavior.
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. In the United States, for example, an internet service provider can choose to deny a paying customer service due to online abuse; additionally, the court system can be leveraged to make Defamation, Libel and Slander claims. The existence of legal repercussions against flaming or trolling are not guaranteed in every country, however. Many online transgressions do not reach legal status due to the difficulty of authentically identifying the 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 authentic identity credentials are not required to create an account on a forum. 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 severe side-effects of flaming is cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is considered any form of harassment, threats, or blackmail that is perpetrated completely over the internet. It often inflicts severe emotional pain on the receiver. Past instances of cyberbullying include insults, stalking, and death threats, and have led to consequences such as legal repercussions, self-inflicted injury, and suicide; this is particularly common in younger generations, as cyber bullying has become a larger problem with the growing prominence of social networking. Cyberbullying allows bullies to attack others without seeing the repercussions. However, the repercussions are real and institutions are now starting to recognize the problem and create mechanisms and rules to prevent it.
Anonymity
One of the most dangerous aspects of flaming is that it can be practiced anonymously. Due to the anonymity of usernames and and avatars online, determining the identity of the perpetrator of flaming can be very difficult. Flaming can be done between two people who do not know each other and who potentially will never meet. Youtube videos are a common site of flaming activity, as comments can be posted anonymously on most videos. here. With the protection of anonymity, it is easy for people to disconnect with humanity and the ethical implications of flaming.
See Also
References
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