Why is it when people argue online, someone says, "Come on guys, it's the internet!"?

[Black Superhero]

As if arguing offline is so superior. To me, arguing on or offline is pointless. And I don't mean civil debates, I mean, "I don't like you" type arguments.

My real question is, why do people assume that we are supposed to NOT get upset just because it's the internet? Are we supposed to turn our human emotions off just because we're online? Thing is, these online forums are just another way of socializing. It should not be surprising that people react in ways that people think they shouldn't react solely because it's the internet. People get angry, upset, sad offline but then they get made fun of when they do it online. Why do we expect these people to not behave as humans?

One thing I will agree on is that people should not take this internet thing so seriously. But, they shouldn't take a lot of things offline so seriously either.

Your thoughts?
I don't like drama so I try not to say anything bad to anyone no matter what. I'm proud to say I've never had an e-beef or any other kind of beef besides a hamburger. And I lack a lot of tact.
ALI, give me your address so I can find you and we gone fight.
lgdubya, you're right. I feel the same way but then again, the psychologist in me comes out and I can't judge these people because well, they're people and they're just behaving like humans.

 

[Cocoa Butter]

I know what you mean, for some reason people think being 'online' is a fantasy- when your still interacting with people, who are real- not virtual entity's. It's amazing how some people take the internet to mean "play with people's feelings".

I guess because - we really dont know who is on the other end- emotions are best not spilled on here. But an argument, is still valid- you can engage in debate w/o knowing the individual.