Belittling others to make yourself seem more important?

Angeloftheshore

I have a pretty thick skin so stuff that some people on here ramble about doesn't bug me. But my commentary on some of the behavior is that it seems like people seek out threads where they can humiliate and belittle people. I say this because if they thought a post was dumb, they could have very easily just moved on, but they don't. Now some have actual constructive criticism for people, these people I am not addressing. I see nothing wrong with difference of opinion or pointing out ignorance.

My problem is with those who seem to seek out threads just to try and make crass jokes, insulting innuendo, or to make sure people think something/someone is stupid.

So I ask...
Is this done because...

A. You actually think it's funny to mock or humiliate people.
B. You feel like a more important person because you were able to belittle someone.
C. Or do you dislike yourself so much that in putting others down, you rise up.

I am just curious, and serious. Because I see grown adults treat people on MFP in ways they would never treat people face to face. At times coming to the thread feels like nursery school And yes I expect to be bashed, humiliated, blah blah blah, loads of hate. I don't care about all that. I really think some of you may need some introspection and a reminder that everyone here is here because they lack control over food. Don't replace that lack of control while you get your nutrition in check with losing control of your tongues, your humanity and your ego's, please, for everyone's sake. This site is about empowerment, but not about senseless cruel mockery.

ThePinkAlligator

This is a great reminder.

_DaniD_

Who are you asking?

S1NN3R

It's the internet...people don't need to act like adults on here.

sixout

I do it because I'm better than everyone else and I need them to know.

diodelcibo

Yep...

ShreddedTweet

Or..... D) The thread was ridiculous and you weren't belittling anyone but some sensitive soul thinks disagreeing with someone is bulling.
E) None of the above.

Man up, this is the internet.

k8blujay2

Psh! I don't know what you are talking about. I am important... I'm a special snowflake. No one else can compare!

UsedToBeHusky

I'm sorry someone made you feel that this post was necessary. :flowerforyou:

TylerJ76

People need to quit looking for reasons to be offended..

DontStopB_Leakin

or D. You have no earthly idea how those people might behave in person.


I'm much more censored and generally just nicer on here than I am in person, because I'm not moderated in person.


There are jerks everywhere. The internet is no different. I really don't understand why this seems like news to some people.

BrettPGH

I have a pretty thick skin so stuff that some people on here ramble about doesn't bug me. But my commentary on some of the behavior is that it seems like people seek out threads where they can humiliate and belittle people. I say this because if they thought a post was dumb, they could have very easily just moved on, but they don't. Now some have actual constructive criticism for people, these people I am not addressing. I see nothing wrong with difference of opinion or pointing out ignorance.

My problem is with those who seem to seek out threads just to try and make crass jokes, insulting innuendo, or to make sure people think something/someone is stupid.

So I ask...
Is this done because...

A. You actually think it's funny to mock or humiliate people.
B. You feel like a more important person because you were able to belittle someone.
C. Or do you dislike yourself so much that in putting others down, you rise up.

I am just curious, and serious. Because I see grown adults treat people on MFP in ways they would never treat people face to face. At times coming to the thread feels like nursery school And yes I expect to be bashed, humiliated, blah blah blah, loads of hate. I don't care about all that. I really think some of you may need some introspection and a reminder that everyone here is here because they lack control over food. Don't replace that lack of control while you get your nutrition in check with losing control of your tongues, your humanity and your ego's, please, for everyone's sake. This site is about empowerment, but not about senseless cruel mockery.

I think you may have a problem with a number of assumptions about this site and it's purpose.

A. Not everyone is here because they lack control over food.
B. I don't think it's possible for anyone to "lose their humanity" here provided they don't start actively tracking down and murdering MFP members. And if I haven't done that yet no one else has an excuse to either.
C. This site is not about empowerment. It's about counting calories. That's not to say you can't find success and be empowered here. But don't make it out to be more than it is. Oprah is not coming by any time soon.

Instead of railing against the world because not everyone is nice, maybe try changing your own expectations. This is not the grand arena and it's best not to take it too seriously. You can't control what anyone else posts, but you can control your own reactions to it.

MB_Positif

I just think I am a sort of funny semi-jerk. I treat people I know in real life with the same sarcasm as I do on here.

_Wonder_Woman_

Have fun, live long & prosper.... said someone.


Oh wait, that's not it....


Ain't nobody got time for this!!! PEACE!!!!

Tatiyanya

I am actualy sarcastic and cynical in day to day.face to face basis. On forums I'm much nicer person and I never actualy saw anyone humiliated or belitteled nor did I offend anyone myself on purpose.
If someone took sarcasm or gigglish teasing as serious offence..i dare to say problem is on their side and little bit of distance to self goes long way.
Even people bluntly attencion seeking are given constructive advice. Even people who seem barely literate are threated with enough respect (people translate their posts and reply to them! ) to not feel offended.

Browsing todays threads I or missed hord of evil goblins lashing out on everyone sometime ealier or I am seriously reading different forums than you people.

Are we sure we're not mistaking "different opinions" "dissagreement" "critique" "constructive advice" with "belittling" , "cruel mockery" and "insulting.

I am verily confused and would love to see links to people acting like *kitten* now.

sixout

or D. You have no earthly idea how those people might behave in person.


I'm much more censored and generally just nicer on here than I am in person, because I'm not moderated in person.


There are jerks everywhere. The internet is no different. I really don't understand why this seems like news to some people.

I don't believe you.

Jacwhite22

I like humor. If something is funny I'm going to say it.....unless it's too bad and then I won't.....I do have a censor......I would expect someone else to do the same about me. If it's hurtful and not humorous that's not ok, but as long as it's funny people need to understand it's worth it.





M.F.P. Hottest Person/M.F.P. Most awesome person
Ice cream afficionado
"Winning" Certified Instructor
> 1 Year Consecutive Logging
Been in gifs for 2 years and have studied custom gif creation

SoViLicious

This is too deep...I'm gonna go rate someone and creep profiles.

__RANDY__

quirkytizzy

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/920791-mfp-not-helping-or-showing-support-just-being-rude

In short, if you're asking about dangerous/ineffective approaches, being told "no, try this" isn't rude. And don't get defensive or ask for validation and go off screaming that we're rude.

Unless you want a site where everyone congratulates everyone else for eating 500 calories and subsisting on diet pills for months on end.

Anyhow, check out the other thread. Should save you some time.

Mainebikerchick

I have a pretty thick skin so stuff that some people on here ramble about doesn't bug me. But my commentary on some of the behavior is that it seems like people seek out threads where they can humiliate and belittle people. I say this because if they thought a post was dumb, they could have very easily just moved on, but they don't. Now some have actual constructive criticism for people, these people I am not addressing. I see nothing wrong with difference of opinion or pointing out ignorance.

My problem is with those who seem to seek out threads just to try and make crass jokes, insulting innuendo, or to make sure people think something/someone is stupid.

So I ask...
Is this done because...

A. You actually think it's funny to mock or humiliate people.
B. You feel like a more important person because you were able to belittle someone.
C. Or do you dislike yourself so much that in putting others down, you rise up.

I am just curious, and serious. Because I see grown adults treat people on MFP in ways they would never treat people face to face. At times coming to the thread feels like nursery school And yes I expect to be bashed, humiliated, blah blah blah, loads of hate. I don't care about all that. I really think some of you may need some introspection and a reminder that everyone here is here because they lack control over food. Don't replace that lack of control while you get your nutrition in check with losing control of your tongues, your humanity and your ego's, please, for everyone's sake. This site is about empowerment, but not about senseless cruel mockery.

I think you may have a problem with a number of assumptions about this site and it's purpose.

A. Not everyone is here because they lack control over food.
B. I don't think it's possible for anyone to "lose their humanity" here provided they don't start actively tracking down and murdering MFP members. And if I haven't done that yet no one else has an excuse to either.
C. This site is not about empowerment. It's about counting calories. That's not to say you can't find success and be empowered here. But don't make it out to be more than it is. Oprah is not coming by any time soon.

Instead of railing against the world because not everyone is nice, maybe try changing your own expectations. This is not the grand arena and it's best not to take it too seriously. You can't control what anyone else posts, but you can control your own reactions to it.

^^This sums it up perfectly! You should be on my FL!! Oh, WAIT, you ARE!!!

Krizzo87

Welcome to the internet!

Juliejustsaying

I like humor. If something is funny I'm going to say it.....unless it's too bad and then I won't.....I do have a censor......I would expect someone else to do the same about me. If it's hurtful and not humorous that's not ok, but as long as it's funny people need to understand it's worth it.





M.F.P. Hottest Person/M.F.P. Most awesome person
Ice cream afficionado
"Winning" Certified Instructor
> 1 Year Consecutive Logging
Been in gifs for 2 years and have studied custom gif creation

hmmm, I know you said something there Jac, but I'm too busy watching the gif...:flowerforyou:

tabinmaine

I think it's funny as heck to go into a thread and 'stir the pot" a little...... sit back and watch it all fall apart....

You have got to realize this is the internet and NONE of this matters in your everyday life. Am I kind and respectful and professional in my every day life....heck yes..... am I on here all of the time ??? NOPE !

Lt_Starbuck

You should also never do the opposite.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?'

Actually, who are you not to be?

...Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do...

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

― Marianne Williamson

it is best to focus so much on this, that the occasional irritation of the bored does not derail your shiny.

oregonzoo

I think sometimes part of the issue may be perception.

Inflection and humor aren't always easy to read through text.

Jerrypeoples

ive always said that if you cant laugh at yourself find someone smaller and weaker and make fun of them, they are defenseless

redheaddee

Ugh. Another "people are meanies" thread. How original and inspiring. This won't attract anyone who enjoys sarcastic, biting humor. No siree-bob.

PS- Welcome to the interwebz. Get in, sit down, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

spade117

I like humor. If something is funny I'm going to say it.....unless it's too bad and then I won't.....I do have a censor......I would expect someone else to do the same about me. If it's hurtful and not humorous that's not ok, but as long as it's funny people need to understand it's worth it.

^Kinda that.



I don't belittle others to make myself feel important, I belittle others because it makes me laugh.

Ashley_Panda

Actually I tend to treat everyone here just like I would in real life. I guess I'm a ***** either way around.

quirkytizzy

Ugh. Another "people are meanies" thread. How original and inspiring. This won't attract anyone who enjoys sarcastic, biting humor. No siree-bob.

PS- Welcome to the interwebz. Get in, sit down, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Maybe people are inspired to make the exact same thread just a few moments after another thread exactly like it has been posted? Idk. Seems to happen everytime the whole "the internets are mean" topic comes up on MFP.