Home    General Stuff    General Chat
#1

The internets, is it de-maturing people?

Archive: 21 posts

With games, steaming media, e-mails, online chat, social networking sites... and so forth the internet has become a large piece of our lives... but was this a good thing?

if you look around the internet and see all these blogs, comments, videos and stuff..... some of them are really... immature.....

Stuff the people type are just horrible! They are mean, racist, bias, sexist and stupid.

You can also see alot of these in LBP as well.......

You really can't comment on something or make something without someone saying it sucks, or you're wrong because your a Nazi and so on.

Will the internet community every grow up? Or are we bound to have all these little kiddies surfing the internet for ever?		2009-09-06 12:39:00

Author:
snowyjoe
Posts: 509

It's because "no-one" knows that it is you making such comments. Security in anonymity.
Unless you force people to ID themselves when using the Internet I doubt it will ever become more "mature".		2009-09-06 12:47:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

They are mean, racist, bias, sexist and stupid

Yeah, this is all the internet's fault, I wish we could go back to the good old days when things weren't racist or sexist, we just didn't let women vote and black people were slaves, but it was OK


On a serious note though, I take your point but I very much think that the internet is not making people less intelligent, it merely brings you into contact with a lot more people than you would do outside of the internet. In real life you experiences of people you meet on a daily basis will undoubtably be skewwed by your background and lifestyle, where you live etc. On the internet this is far less the case. You are likely to run into a far more diverse range of people on the internet than in real life.


As for the flaming on the internet, that is more likely to do with anonymity and a lack of reprecussions. This I feel largely won't change. Maybe a little, but while people know that, no matter what they say, no one can break their face for being horrible they will continue.


There are a lot of other aspects to this, such as generally extremist propaganda being able to spread hate to a far wider audience, but that's a slightly different issue to what you are saying maybe?		2009-09-06 12:52:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Well I'd say that the internet actually "matured" me quite a lot, but I spend most of my time on the internet on sites like this, so I guess that's quite understandable.

And yes, I would agree that the internet is de-maturing many, many people around the world.		2009-09-06 12:54:00

Author:
lk9988
Posts: 1077

Well I'd say that the internet actually "matured" me quite a lot, but I spend most of my time on the internet on sites like this, so I guess that's quite understandable.

Yes, LBPC is a tough world. Only the strongest survive; the rest retreats, no flees as fast as they can. Back to their holes. Living their miserable life. Visiting gamefaqs.


2009-09-06 12:58:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I think the internet is a double-edged sword as far as maturing goes.

On one hand, it's toughened me up and caused me to become MORE mature, because people say some REALLY mean things to me and I've learned to take things like that with a grain of salt. I used to be super sensitive to that sort of thing. Now someone says "yo dis lvl is teh stupid crp" and I just laugh. A year ago I probably would have cried.

On the other hand, people on the internet don't seem to think that there's a real person on the receiving end of the bad comments they leave. They think that they're taking out their frustration, anger and hatred on a box of text, rather than another human being with thoughts and feelings. I think this is a bad thing, because people have become completely comfortable with saying horrible things to one another because since it's not a face to face encounter, they believe it doesn't have the same impact on someone. I've gotten in fights with people via text on the internet, but the moment I'm speaking to them over a headset, they back down and become civilized once again.

So, yes, in a sense I do think that it is dematuring some people. And maturing others. If that makes any sense.		2009-09-06 14:25:00

Author:
xkappax
Posts: 2569

Hmmm... I wouldn't say the internet makes people immature. I think those people who behave a certain way are already like that in real life, but probably hide it to avoid getting in trouble. The internet gives a way to express those thoughts with minimal consequence. Others are also just in it for the lulz.

I think it's mostly that we are exposed to people we would otherwise not have met/have avoided which gives the impression that people are more immature on the internet. This unfortunately means we need to have a thick skin and some disconnect in order not to let the random internet troll get to us.		2009-09-06 15:17:00

Author:
Gilgamesh
Posts: 2536

As long as you're not trolling /b/ you'll be fine.

That and you don't fall for things such as LOLCats and Chuck Norris jokes. Only idiots find that crap funny (no offense =/).		2009-09-06 18:32:00

Author:
ChristmasJew
Posts: 431

The internet is a good scource of freedom where you can get better info than watching the 'news'.2009-09-06 19:15:00

Author:
S-A-S--G-U-N-R
Posts: 1606

It's also worth mentioning here that the current generation of "adults" - that is, freshly grown-up 20 and 30 somethings - are probably the most "immature" in history. At the age where previous generations were beginning to have families, careers, and begin to find their stride for their adult lives, our current generation is still going partying every night, refusing to get married (or often just getting married arbitrarily), getting wasted on a regular occasion, and are generally remaining kids later and later into life.

One factor may be the "boomerang (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boomerang_Generation)" generation - Adults that end up returning home to live with parents, as grownups, after a brief period living on their own in the real world. I know several people who have done this! Who have found themselves, at 27 years old, living with Mommy again. It's usually a financial reason - they desperately need to save money. But wouldn't most previous generations suck it up and fight it out there on their own? Pride's becoming a smaller pill than it used to be. And the chocolate coating makes it go down easier.

But there's no doubt that living at home and keeping all of your income is robbing these "adults" of the responsibility and ability to solve the "tough times" that is so crucial to growing up. So it seems to be a vicious circle, or a positive feedback loop, or whatever you want to call it. The boomerang adults return home - somewhat stunting their growth as adults - making them all the more likely to be dependent on others as they continue to grow.

We're also sometimes called the Peter Pan Generation. According to Wikipedia: "Those a part of Generation Y have pushed the acceptable boundaries for full adulthood from their mid 20's to early 30's.[36] Many members of Generation Y have chosen to live at home, remain without a family or children, and delay a full career longer than any generation before them."

let's face it, 20-and-30 somethings on this site. We're a bunch of babies!!		2009-09-06 21:53:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

As long as you're not trolling /b/ you'll be fine.

That and you don't fall for things such as LOLCats and Chuck Norris jokes. Only idiots find that crap funny (no offense =/).
Everyone knows LOLCats and Chuck Norris jokes are part of the cancer that is killing /b/, not saving it.

inb4internetisseriousbusiness		2009-09-06 22:01:00

Author:
Arkei
Posts: 1432

Everyone knows LOLCats and Chuck Norris jokes are part of the cancer that is killing /b/, not saving it.

inb4internetisseriousbusiness
There are different types of immaturity.

/b/ is funny but if you act like that (like a /b/tard) anywhere else you'll seem like an immature ***.

LOLCats and Chuck Norris jokes are just plain stupid and sucker people in to liking them making those people even dumber.		2009-09-07 04:35:00

Author:
ChristmasJew
Posts: 431

let's face it, 20-and-30 somethings on this site. We're a bunch of babies!!

I refuse to acknowledge it!		2009-09-07 04:50:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Good, i'm just under the 20 mark

I agree that its largely a thing of ananomininity, but i'm not sure that its really dematuring people. My guess is that a fair amount of people who may act up in the safety of the interwebs but wouldnt dare to do so around their own friends or family. Its all about accountability to me, theres not much of a chance you're going to meet someone in real life and realize they were trolling you earlier that day (unless they admit it ) and so people give in to a bit of a darker, more immature side.		2009-09-07 06:34:00

Author:
Burnvictim42
Posts: 3322

I find the internet only affecting the weak-minded and unaware. I mean, sure, I'd laugh at a Chuck Norris joke or an LOLcat once in a while, but it doesn't mean I'm an ignorant buffoon that's scarring the face of the Earth for doing so. I still go to church every Sunday and get A's on my test and I waste most of my time either blogging or watching random Youtube videos of cheesy Sparta remixes and Shoop-da-Whoops.

Some people may sound like morons because they're hiding behind a fake username or ID and can get away with such vulgar behavior. Once a person with a level-head pulls back their imaginary veil of protection, though, they shribble down to the little tykes and brats they are, acting rude cuz their mommies and daddies don't even know they're lashing out at other people and that they think they can get away with anything they want. Thank God for mods and site staffs then; without them, the Internet would be a much darker, scarier place.

Just think of the Internet as this: when someone comes up with a cool idea, there's always some loser trying to drag it down for the heck of it. Just ignore the legions of stupidity that roam around the Web and you'll feel much better about your online experiences.		2009-09-07 07:12:00

Author:
Outlaw-Jack
Posts: 5757

our current generation is still going partying every night, refusing to get married (or often just getting married arbitrarily), getting wasted on a regular occasion, and are generally remaining kids later and later into life, they are probably the most "immature" in history.



I don't believe our generation is "the most "immature" in history." I just believe it's how open our society has become.
In the previous generation you were frowned upon if you acted differently to people around you, there were set stereotypes for everything. Everyone would judge you on what you do and look rather than how you think and feel.

Times are changing now, and people are not embarrassed to show what they truly want to do.
The oldest water skier was 100 years old! (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/ESPNSports/story?id=1329254)

The world is changing! Why won't people understand this!? screw you older generation! you always think you're better than anyone! (apart from the even older generation....)

(also people refusing to get married? Since when was getting married compulsory?)		2009-09-07 10:09:00

Author:
snowyjoe
Posts: 509

Teebonesy made quite a balanced point there - he's not trying to put people down, so your defensive response seems a little moot. Especially seeing as you haven't actually contradicted him, you've just added to his point. The social and economic reasons for the kind of shift that Teebonesy is describing don't change the end out come - the fact that the sheltered lives and lack of responsibility amongst the average person of my generation, lead to a less "mature" outlook on life.

The point of marriage and specifically family is one of people essentially putting off responsibility. Actually settling down into a family situation, whether married or not is a big commitment. Many people do this too young and then never have the opportunity to mature enough beforehand and many of us who get to our 20s will put it off because it's a big commitment. I don't want kids yet, even if I was in a stable relationship - it's too much commitment - I want the freedom to go out and get wrecked when I want to, to have nothing to tie me down. Yes, this is acceptable in modern society, but my attitude clearly indicates an adversion to reponsibility, which is encouraged and accepted by the social norms of our time.

I also agree with the boomerang generation thing. I basically had to move back in with my parents after university, but moved out again within a couple of months - I need the freedom more than the financial benefits. A lot of people find it so much easier to stay at home and no matter how much you "chip in" at home you are still pampered and sheltered from real world commitments and it will affect you growing as a person.

Just because these things are acceptable and normal in modern society doesn't mean that they don't have a negative effect. And please don't try to point out the many, many positives to the openess of society as well - I'm very much aware of that.


Snowyjoe's comment also highlights another issue with the internet though - "people are not embarrassed to show what they truly want to do." Whilst they very much are, it is less so than in the past, which just open up the door a little bit more for this online flaming once their identity is taken out of the equation.

.		2009-09-07 10:35:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

"The fact that the sheltered lives and lack of responsibility amongst the average person of my generation, lead to a less "mature" outlook on life."

Just because people are stilling living with their parents and are not being married does not mean avoiding responsibilities and commitment.

We all come from different backgrounds, religion and societies. It's hard to believe that we all share the same responsibilities and commitment.
For one person raising a family may be responsibility for them, but for another taking care of their business could be their responsibility.

People going back to stay with their parents does not mean they are avoiding commitment from society.
If they are going back to their parents for financial problems, then they have chosen their parents as a way to over come the problem. Others may over come the problem by asking friends for help, borrowing money from the bank, getting a second job.
The Boomarang generation is not a sign that people are avoiding all these problems, it is just another solution that has opened with the help of time.


I believe it's wrong to state that everyone needs to be married and have kids in order to be "mature"




Just because these things are acceptable and normal in modern society doesn't mean that they don't have a negative effect. And please don't try to point out the many, many positives to the openess of society as well - I'm very much aware of that.



Everything comes with a positive and negative effect in this world. I just like to think on the positive side of things.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7c/Yin_and_Yang.svg/75px-Yin_and_Yang.svg.png

I guess it also works on the issue of the Internet, covering up someones identity can create online flaming but it can also voice the positive opinions of people that were never able to do it before.

P.S I'm not trying to put anyone down or start flamming or trolling... I'm just setting out my own personal opinions and anyone is free to voice their own opinions against mine.		2009-09-07 11:50:00

Author:
snowyjoe
Posts: 509

@rtm223: thanks for the candor - It's rare to find someone who can so easily display nuance and honesty.

@snowyjoe: I think you might be taking these generational descriptions a bit personally - there's always huge variety within a generation. You're always going to find exceptions to the norm, and certainly not everybody fits into any generational "mold". But a generation of people who come of age in a given time and place do tend to share certain characteristics, worldviews, and growth patterns. I'm smack in the middle of the "boomerang" generation, and one of the things that defines us is a sense of entitlement. A lot of us grew up with a great heaping deal of "you can achieve anything", "you can be anything you want", and as far as we knew, the sky was the limit and all we had to do was BELIEVE!

Well, most of these lessons didn't include the cold hard truth that all those rainbows are painted over. A lot of our generation are still coasting, into adulthood, with a sense that we're all above things like manual labor, careers, commitment. The statistics about marriage, that we're refusing to get married, or doing it later in life, means a few things. As you mentioned, it's a sign that attitudes are changing. But at the same time, as rtm brought up, it fits very neatly into this pattern of putting off responsibility and serious commitment. It's all about being HAPPY! We're Toys R Us kids, and we're used to getting what we want, and very used to being told that we can DESERVE it! We DARED to be drug free, we were protected from "grownup" lyrics in music, our moms and dads made our lunches every day through high school and they always included fruit roll ups and a capri sun. and now look at us! In the real world, wondering where our **** capri suns are.

Mike Rowe, the host of dirty jobs, is actually an avid campaigner against this death of real work. People coming of age right now all feel like they're too good for the kind of job that requires big meathooks hauling heavy things, the kind of work that the civilized world requires in order to fundamentally operate.

I'm a part of this too. I'll be the first to admit that this all accurately defines me. When I walk down Main Street (hipsterville), it becomes starkly clear that there are few real grown-ups under 40 around here.

But seeing as how this thread's about the internet, I should chime in a bit there too.

And I shall do so with the help of Penny Arcade.

Note that there is a slightly naughty word contained herein. And for anyone expecting one, I apologize that there is no capri sun.
http://imgur.com/GzUQG.jpg		2009-09-07 13:04:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Sorry rtm233 and Teebonesy i guess i did get a bit personal.

Back on-topic, we're all talking about no identity causing people to be *** holes.
But can the opposite happen as well? Because people's identities are persevered people tend to care more about the person on the receiving end?		2009-09-08 00:24:00

Author:
snowyjoe
Posts: 509

With games, steaming media, e-mails, online chat, social networking sites... and so forth the internet has become a large piece of our lives... but was this a good thing?

if you look around the internet and see all these blogs, comments, videos and stuff..... some of them are really... immature.....

Stuff the people type are just horrible! They are mean, racist, bias, sexist and stupid.

You can also see alot of these in LBP as well.......

You really can't comment on something or make something without someone saying it sucks, or you're wrong because your a Nazi and so on.

Will the internet community every grow up? Or are we bound to have all these little kiddies surfing the internet for ever?



It's actually the other way around. The internet shows you how immature people are.
Thing is, if you're mature, you won't find pleasure into being someone else on the internet. What you are on the internet is way closer to the "real you" than how you are in real life. In real life you have TONS of barriers, laws and things that make you think twice, that scare you or for whatever reason prevents you to say what you truly would have said.

The less boundaries there are, the more you can see how empty is their souls. People need to be guided, directed, taught to behave. Only the wisest of us all can truly behave on themselves.

.		2009-09-08 00:59:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901


LBPCentral Archive Statistics
Posts: 1077139    Threads: 69970    Members: 9661    Archive-Date: 2019-01-19

Datenschutz
Aus dem Archiv wurden alle persönlichen Daten wie Name, Anschrift, Email etc. - aber auch sämtliche Inhalte wie z.B. persönliche Nachrichten - entfernt.
Die Nutzung dieser Webseite erfolgt ohne Speicherung personenbezogener Daten. Es werden keinerlei Cookies, Logs, 3rd-Party-Plugins etc. verwendet.