How common are cruel comments posted to online news sites?

[longknife]

Date: June 27, 2014
Source: University of Utah

As someone who haunts online political discussion forums I can attest to this.

The problem is simple - anonymity! They hide behind unreal user names and avatars and fear no retribution for their cruel remarks and personal attacks.

Some site administrators and moderators do try to curb this but it's an overwhelming task. I know of one site that folded because it got too nasty, verging on libel.

Summary:

Anyone who’s ever ventured into the comments section of a news website has likely observed some unfriendly exchanges. Now research has confirmed just how common such behavior is. The study found that more than 1 in 5 comments included some form of incivility, with name-calling as the most prevalent type.

Read more @ How common are cruel comments posted to online news sites? -- ScienceDaily