Because our society is constantly surrounded by the media, we take our cues from and act in accordance with what the media deems appropriate. We get this anger and hostility towards others from what the media show us. All of the political mudslinging on pundit shows tells us it is okay to act horrible to those who have opinions in opposition to ours.
Reality shows also give us this unspoken entitlement to show our malice. We see the mega divas battle it out for attention, which tells us how to act. These shows give us permission to express our irritability with whatever bothers us and unfortunately, that is a lot.
With the invention of YouTube and other sites that allow comments and feedback, the return of the bully has resurfaced. Online bullying has become a hot button issue in the media because of recent suicides and other traumatic events. However, these comments and criticisms are a different type of bullying. People are brutally harsh and mean-spirited with these words much more so than they would be face to face.
Anyone can say anything on these sites no matter how awful because they are hiding behind a computer screen. This issue brings up the previous matter, the fact that most of us use the internet and media to release our inner bully, but in reality, we are terrified of the possibility of being met with that conflict personally.
For example, we all know that one person on Facebook or Twitter who posts unnecessary and hostile personal information. He or she, usually she, posts melodramatic quotes from a song, or perhaps her own little adage like, "Why does it seem like nobody is ever on my side?", which generates lots of interest and sympathy. She acknowledges that there is a problem, and the person who she is in conflict with sees that it is plastered all over the social network. This instigator of drama knows that she is expressing her anger, but when confronted face to face? My guess is this girl will surrender the accusations and become best friends temporarily with the person that made her mad.
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