My hypothesis of civilization is that even the smallest child with a blade may with sufficient luck grievously wound the mightiest warrior.
So there is a natural mechanism that tends people towards some level of civility when they're in meat space with each other.
Incivility towards the other not present is then about fitting in via tribalism. After all, those others could be dangerous so we had better make sure our tribe is all on the right page about mistrusting them.
Incivility towards the other who is present is then about an attempt at social dominance. "Don't mess with me because there are others like me who will avenge me." Perhaps.
Online there is only reputational harm and emotional harm. And when anonymous there is only emotional harm.
When the fear of an unexpected stabbing is truly removed we see the true heart of our fellows. Alas, not the most aesthetically pleasing view.
So there is a natural mechanism that tends people towards some level of civility when they're in meat space with each other.
Incivility towards the other not present is then about fitting in via tribalism. After all, those others could be dangerous so we had better make sure our tribe is all on the right page about mistrusting them.
Incivility towards the other who is present is then about an attempt at social dominance. "Don't mess with me because there are others like me who will avenge me." Perhaps.
Online there is only reputational harm and emotional harm. And when anonymous there is only emotional harm.
When the fear of an unexpected stabbing is truly removed we see the true heart of our fellows. Alas, not the most aesthetically pleasing view.