First

The largest current issue I have is figuring out how to make real connections with real people, on the internet. The veil of internet anonymity, in my opinion, has eroded the way people communicate and connect on the internet and I see how it has spilled over into real life.

This post talks about how trolls have won the internet. In a divided time where being politically incorrect was a defining attribute of our newly elected President, how can you say it isn't obvious that taking a more civil and polite road is going in the wrong direction? 

The crossover of internet discourse into real life has never been more prevalent and more difficult to combat against.

If you were to look at how people talk about the internet and their interactions with other people on the internet, you don't have to look far to find someone who has had a recent negative interaction. The often homophobic YouTube comment section has found its way into a popular song by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, the products of 4chan trolls have found their way into internet memes, and the many missteps and miscues on other internet platforms are forever digitally documented much to the dismay of their authors and architects.

This brings to light a new issue I see on the rise. Fascist moderation as a means to combat the vast ocean of volatile internet interaction. Moderators instantly and permanently banning for minor offenses with little to no room to plead a case of defense. Otherwise trampling over good content, positive contributors to the internet, and stunting community growth all in the defense of a safe space. 

Yes, a safe space where only the cool kids of High School are the ones who get to participate and contribute because other posts are taking away their chance to be in the limelight where they feel that they belong and the ones who confront them on abusive practices are easily silenced and don't forget, of course, the trolls are there to ruin their plans as always.

It is High School all over again, in digital form. If we have learned nothing from graduating, or dropping out and having our lives outside of High School, it is that the Prom Court isn't as attractive as you once remembered them and more importantly, High School doesn't last forever.