How civility can be lost in cyberspace

In interpreting the difference between online and offline communities we also need to consider the way in which we use email. Jeremy Stangroom, in "How civility can be lost in cyberspace.", "TPM Online, Word of Mouse Issue 24", makes the following points about the difference between offline and online communication due to the informality and speed of email :

"First, email is pretty much instantaneous. Therefore, it is just more likely with email that things will be said in haste which would not have been said had more time been taken for reflection.

Second, the internet facilitates relatively anonymous communication. Consequently, in our virtual lives, we’re more likely to be interacting with people we’ve never met, we’re never going to meet, and whom we don’t know anything about. In such a situation, there is more chance that we will treat them as though they are not quite fully human subjects.

Third, internet communication involves geographical distance, which removes many of the barriers to aggressive behaviour which exist in the non-virtual world. Not least, you’re not likely to get hit for sending someone an abusive email, whereas this is certainly a possible response to abuse in a face-to-face situation"