Shake It Off? Courtesy on the Internet

I started writing a different post...but then someone mentioned something that got me thinking.

Just because this is the internet and you do not have to face a person does not give you the right to be harsh. It actually doesn't. I don't care who your comment or post is directed towards - it is still directed to a person.

It does not matter how famous or not the person is. It does not matter how awful the person is. It does not matter if you disagree with them on a fundamental level.

Even if you are prepubescent, a certain level of decorum is essential. Courtesy is a part of what makes humans human.

You may be thinking to yourself that you are courteous. You are sensitive to other people, you think. But your language choice must be perfect. You cannot be flippant about word choice. You cannot afford to use harsh words or sarcastic phrases. Once you do, your words become cruel.

I know it is easy to disregard people behind words on the internet. I know it is easy to disregard people when they become famous - it is easy to think of them as objects. I know it is easy to think your words have no effect - that they do nothing and fall on deaf or uncaring ears.

As a courteous person, pretend they don't. Don't assume all people are like Taylor Swift. Everyone doesn't just shake it off.