I've written about it before - there are some benefits of being behind a keyboard. We're more confident, more comfortable than we are in person, sometimes more engaging; I know I am. Then there's the anonymity factor -  I.E. I'm on several message boards w/ a handle... not sure I'd be comfortable with my name on my TripAdvisor. Not that I'm writing anything wrong, but more an issue of safety, privacy.

Then there's the dark side of society that attacks, judges without thinking. Throw in the anonymity w/ that lot, like on Twitter or Yahoo!News comments, and it's the worst. The trolls, the pot stirrers making it bad for the rest of us.

There are times I think, if I am too careful too cautious, then how am I being 'authentic'? but oh wait, what if - gasp! - I share an opinion that might - the horror! - be a little silly, snarky or offensive, not 110% politically, socially correct the world over??!! Do I risk my career or run of my friends?! ;-) IDK most of the issues I've read have been, not so much the 'face to face' issue as it has been 'the truth is out' and they realize you aren't 'who they thought you were.'

Don't misunderstand - I totally agree w/ you. We need better manners, we need to be more tolerant and accepting of others, of different personalities and viewpoints and celebrity hairstyles and everything else. We need to remember -- online AND face-to-face --  it's a real person w/ feelings on the other side of the conversation; that they may have a different view point than you; and that's OK. FWIW.