The Internet and the Crazy

[moonshayde]

Whoa. You know, you hear this stuff all the time, but even reading an old report of the crazy on the internet still sends me into shock.

The Life and Death of Jesse James

It's tough to read stories of people who have messed with people so much. Sure, I guess you can argue that the victims are stupid to be so trusting, but I don't really like to buy into that. Some people are very trusting. And while I consider myself smart, I've been taken for a ride or two before, though no where as close as this disgusting and severe. Or maybe I'm just being naive again.

We hear about versions of this all the time in different fandoms. But you know, when I read stuff like this it just reminds me how normal my problems are. I'm lonely too, and it's easy to get sucked into a mess when you just want someone to talk to. That's why I'm thankful for the friends I know both offline and online who might not be "perfect" but who genuinely care about me and aren't out to make me some sick game.

Comments

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

A lot of people on the internet are either lonely, or can't find what they want locally (think of people who have internet access but live in vastly rural areas), are people who are home a lot, or "insert other reason."

It's the prefer breeding ground for less than stable people to prey on those.

Of course you have a lot of just plain insane behavior, but I see that every day in the real world too LOL

[meg-tdj.livejournal.com]

The problem is, if you're insane in the real world people tend to know you're insane, or at least get a vibe that something isn't right. You can be insane online and come across as though you're not, which is incredibly creepy. And anybody can (and often do) pretend to be anyone they want online. Those who would never even consider doing something like that don't tend to suspect it in others, you know? That's easily preyed on right there.

I swear, the internet should come with a guidebook spelling out in no uncertain terms that once you turn it on, you have NO idea who you're interacting with. Take everything with a grain of salt and remember that you can't always believe what you read. Some people never really get that, and I think crazy people gravitate towards them knowing they can get away with anything.