Conflict in Online Chat Forums
Why Virtual Chat Rooms Can Quickly Turn Sour or Aggressive
Jun 15, 2007
There are a myriad of elements that seem to be well within a person's control inside the virtual world (more specifically that of an online chat forum) that can cause a person to feel rather mighty when dressed up in their virtual persona. The abundance of these controlling factors coupled with the near invincible emotions that can result from them, people tend to venture into conflicts more often, or perhaps stronger in intensity, than what they might engage in within their own lives. While the best policy might be to take a step back from the virtual boxing ring when conflict does occur, the masses tend to choose to conflict head on.
When people venture into an online chat scenario, they automatically sign on with a satchel of tools if you will, or safety elements that are in place for those times in which a person might feel insulted, offended or mentally defeated by the rearing of a conflict. These are emotional mechanisms geared toward defense that seem to assist a chatter in gaining an enriching and empowering socializing event should a conflict occur.
Hide Behind Identity - Perhaps the greatest tool of all is the idea that a person's true identity is significantly protected. Because of a person's ability to choose a name that suits them and their chosen personality, they are able to fabricate nicknames, personas and an identity different from their true selves. Without identity, there are extremely few penalties or repercussions for any ill words a person might type. With the idea of limited consequences (or perhaps even the lack of consequences altogether), people tend to be much more inclined to engage in argumentative, combative and conflictual behaviors.
Absence of Emotion - There are not too many people in the world who find enjoyment in knowing that they have hurt someone with their words and still continue to do so after that realization. In "virtuality", members of a chat community are devoid of face, emotion and voice reflection. It seems much easier morally to assault and insult people you cannot see or hear. Although the collateral damage can only be as severe as the level of a person's inner absorption, sending out enough antagonism can offset that person's inner upset. This, in turn, can create a balance supportive enough that both sending and receiving ill words can, and often do, coexist in harmony.
Strength In Numbers - All views usually have two sides on the opinion equation. The more people there are within an online community or chat forum, the greater the likelihood that a significant percentage will join the fray after choosing which side they want to antagonize for. We are, after all, mammals by class, and most mammals work best in packs. The empowerment behind having support seems to feed enough fuel to the fire to enhance and thrust any argument into a volatile situation. Feeding off of this 'strength in numbers idea', the original conflict becomes ripe enough to blossom into a war of minds and a barrage of abusive statements.
Ability to Leave - With the wave of a hand, or in this case the click of a mouse, a person is free to leave the virtual forum at any given time, that time being up to personal discretion. While there are a handful of people who do just that, the vast majority will decide to stick it out and ride the conflict through. The element of choice to stay or leave seems to bring forth a sense of being in greater control over the situation.
Because of the built-in safety elements that seem to enhance a feeling of safe environment, people in chat tend to become excessively bold and will spar quickly if antagonized. Without identity, face, reflection and the absence of emotion, there are no personal consequences above an inner moral dilemma that might slip in after a conflict has occurred. Without consequences, there is often times chaos and disorder, leaving an online chat forum to be one of the most volatile communities in social existence.
