Why are people so mean?!

CoachJameyJ

People are mean because Americans have been brainwashed by the media for the last 50 years to believe that if you're mean, you're strong and will endure. Not true you silly Americans. Your patriotism lacks humanity.

Shut up you limey *kitten*! We kicked your *kitten* in dubya-dubya two, and we'll kick it again whenever we want!

'murica!

Hahahaaa!! you think I'm British?? Figures.

sewerchick93

Oh look Don Quixote, it's another windmill!!!!!!!

sallyaj

When the site was first started, the founders wanted it to be called Mean Fat People.

Marketing thought this was a bad idea, but, thanks to a dedicated group of hired trolls, the original essence lives on.

LOL

SwimFan1981

People are mean because Americans have been brainwashed by the media for the last 50 years to believe that if you're mean, you're strong and will endure. Not true you silly Americans. Your patriotism lacks humanity.

Shut up you limey *kitten*! We kicked your *kitten* in dubya-dubya two, and we'll kick it again whenever we want!

'murica!

I think you have seen too many movies....

I also think its funny that the term "we" was used.

It tickles many

quirkytizzy

Unicorn not included in kit. Cat-gun may require additional purchase.

MochaMixAZ

The abilities to correct misinformation, disagree, and debate…. do not preclude the abilities to be respectful, compassionate, or kind. That’s a choice people make – or choose not to make.

And to answer an earlier question of why I think ignore doesn’t work well in the forums: using the ignore feature technically works to exclude that poster, but you will likely still see those comments quoted by others or be unable to understand other responses because they are referencing something you ignored. Just because someone says something mean doesn’t necessarily mean they have nothing of value to add.

KathyPBiles

I totally agree with you as well. I have no right to judge someone's choices and vice versa. However, if I ask a question, I better be ready for the responses and if I am asked a question, I will be totally honest, but I WILL NOT BE MEAN. I am here to support people and to receive support as well. No one can beat me up any worse than I do myself when I don't make the best choices.

People should follow the rule "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." They use the internet as an excuse to be mean and bully people. Seems some people get off on that. It is not right, and I won't let it happen to me. If people stand up for themselves, maybe we can weed out the mean ones!

Csoldano

http://blog.wisefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/GreaterInternet****wadTheory_thumb.jpg

pretty much that. This is from when online gaming was becoming bigger, now with the twitter generation it's 10 times worse.

KathyPBiles

I totally agree with you as well. I have no right to judge someone's choices and vice versa. However, if I ask a question, I better be ready for the responses and if I am asked a question, I will be totally honest, but I WILL NOT BE MEAN. I am here to support people and to receive support as well. No one can beat me up any worse than I do myself when I don't make the best choices.

People should follow the rule "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." They use the internet as an excuse to be mean and bully people. Seems some people get off on that. It is not right, and I won't let it happen to me.

Marcellus_08

To be honest, I think people just get bored and talk ****. That or they are having a bad day and take it out on whoever is in their path. Sucks when you're in the path but hey, we're human and all of us are ****s sometimes. It happens. Its rude,but I can't say I haven't done it before.

pronetocrash91

Some of the responses in this thread say a lot. ''Because it is the internet'' is not a valid reason for being a jerk and/or bullying someone.

If you have nothing nice to say, why say anything at all? Really not a hard concept to grasp.

KenosFeoh

There's an ignore option? Whoopee! There are certain screennames - maybe you know who you are - who will be giving me a lovely opportunity to use that function. I can't wait!

Very honestly, I'm afraid to post questions in the community because I've seen the hatefulness. In fact, it drove me to delete my account last year, but I couldn't find as quick and efficient a way to log my food as here. So I came back.

If I have concerns, I post it on my page so my friends can give me feedback. I don't have any mean friends.

quirkytizzy

People on the internet are always crying out about how people would NEVER act this way in real life.

Which leads me to wonder, are those same people going around asking every mean person they meet face-to-face "Why are you so mean?!" Are these people acting the same way irl as they do here, continually upset and getting angry at the mean people they meet randomly on the street?

It's such a bizarre thought to entertain.

Deedsie

People are not so mean, your tolerance level is low, but don't worry it is a common problem. To increase your tolerance, add humor or sarcastic asides to their posts while you read them. Or pretend they are being sarcastic or just teasing a friend. If that doesn't work, go run 6-10 miles and then it's hard for anything to bother you because you are a freaking rockstar.

meadow_sage

I just keep wondering why people don't take advantage of the ignore button. If you don't like the way someone responds to posts, just hit that little triangle next to their username, select "ignore" and POOF, no more posts by that person. Easy, and no need for whiny "everyone is so mean to me" posts.

See, you had me, up until the last sentence. Maybe there is a need. Maybe this post will help someone to think before they speak, or before they type. Yes, it's absolutely productive to ignore negativity but if someone feels compelled to stand up and make a call for kindness, that to can be productive. Asking for people to be kinder is not whining, it's conducive to growth in the human condition. My point is we are all trying to get fit and motivated to do so, so what is the point of being mean to others. We should be encouraging each other.

I believe that people that are mean, are unhappy.

cmcollins001

Well, let's see, millions of people have access to the internet, everywhere, all the time so you have various moods, personalities, backgrounds, social experiences, levels of education, upbringing, various levels of communication, English not being the first language, social and economical levels, and about a million other various nuances that you don't know about.

Let's go ahead and add that a lot of the "mean" people are simply disagreeing with some piece of information because it differs from what they feel passionate about whatever piece of information they hold dear to their hearts and passionate about their answers and experiences.

AND...let's add that there are times where people are on each others friends lists and just bantering back and forth being "mean" to each other...most of the time to make a point which often gets lost.

perfectionisntme

I just keep wondering why people don't take advantage of the ignore button. If you don't like the way someone responds to posts, just hit that little triangle next to their username, select "ignore" and POOF, no more posts by that person. Easy, and no need for whiny "everyone is so mean to me" posts.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!! I have quit MFP twice because people can be so rude, but those who are rude also have HUGE (I can't emphasize that enough) egos.

CoachJameyJ

Oh look Don Quixote, it's another windmill!!!!!!!

“Where envy reigns virtue can't exist, and generosity doesn't go with meanness.”

downsizinghoss

All I got out of the last 5 pages was that there were panties involved and that there was going to be a fish fry somewhere.

ticklepocket

I just keep wondering why people don't take advantage of the ignore button. If you don't like the way someone responds to posts, just hit that little triangle next to their username, select "ignore" and POOF, no more posts by that person. Easy, and no need for whiny "everyone is so mean to me" posts.

Thank you SO MUCH for explaining this!

I am relatively new and had no idea that this feature existed! This is so great. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it that you took the time to explain this.

:happy: :happy: :happy: :happy:

ScreamingUnicorn

I also think some folks are unaware that when people post questions or responses (and yes, there is such a thing as a DUMB question, but I defend the rights of people who post them) are from REAL people that may be struggling a LOT... and that flippant responses and "mere" words can hurt. For some, this is their only source of support in something that is very personal... and it's a shame the meanies are inclined to shroud their callousness in "sarcasm" or "humor." Debate and arguement are not at risk - you can do both and still be polite.

^^Agreed^^

KenosFeoh

I just made someone disappear! I feel like a wizard.

BurtHuttz

See, you had me, up until the last sentence. Maybe there is a need. Maybe this post will help someone to think before they speak, or before they type. Yes, it's absolutely productive to ignore negativity but if someone feels compelled to stand up and make a call for kindness, that to can be productive. Asking for people to be kinder is not whining, it's conducive to growth in the human condition. My point is we are all trying to get fit and motivated to do so, so what is the point of being mean to others. We should be encouraging each other.

I believe that people that are mean, are unhappy.

No there is no point. There have been hundreds of threads posted on MFP complaining about meanness, usually by people who don't perceive sarcasm. Adding one more to the pile just makes the place a little meaner and nastier.

Thanks, OP. Good luck on your fitness gurney.

Serah87

Agree with the op, that's one of the reasons I will NEVER post a question on here!!! :ohwell:

KANGOOJUMPS

it is what it is, wean the bad ones out.

BurtHuttz

YES!!!!!!!!!!!! I have quit MFP twice because people can be so rude, but those who are rude also have HUGE (I can't emphasize that enough) egos.

Okay, not trying to be mean here, but if someone is rude to you in real life, do you quit real life? If you're at a store and someone cuts in front of you in line, do you just walk out? I don't understand this at all.

A better example, perhaps; you're in a store, and you shout randomly "Does anyone know how many calories is in this box of food?" and someone comes up, rolls their eyes, and points to the front of the box, and says "It's right there, on the front of the box, under the word 'calories'" are you outraged that they weren't polite enough when they helped you? Do you throw a tantrum?

pronetocrash91

I just made someone disappear! I feel like a wizard.

Haha, same here. It'll be nice to get rid of those who feel the need to be *kitten* for no reason. It'll make this experience much better.

Hellbent_Heidi

No there is no point. There have been hundreds of threads posted on MFP complaining about meanness, usually by people who don't perceive sarcasm. Adding one more to the pile just makes the place a little meaner and nastier.

Exactly...another post complaining about mean people is just asking for what? more mean comments. Also, if you're thinking about posting a helpful "here's the difference between lose and loose" or "muscle doesn't weigh more than fat" threads...don't bother...its been done (the horse is dead!)

I do think there's a serious need for a sarcasm font though!

quirkytizzy

YES!!!!!!!!!!!! I have quit MFP twice because people can be so rude, but those who are rude also have HUGE (I can't emphasize that enough) egos.

Okay, not trying to be mean here, but if someone is rude to you in real life, do you quit real life? If you're at a store and someone cuts in front of you in line, do you just walk out? I don't understand this at all.

This is my question as well. How do these people respond IRL? If it's anything like they do here (usually while screaming "ONLY BULLIES ACT THIS WAY ON THE INTERNET!") I would be appalled. And feel extremely sorry for that person.

cwolfman13