Why does every topic on forums usually turn into flame wars?

I mean for example.. I was reading through the morrowind forum on gamespot.. and some guy asked for help, one guy threw in a smart *** remark.. then it just turned into an entire thread of insulting.. without even talking about what was originally asked.. I don't get it, why do forums cause so much tension? I guess it's just because it's the internet, and anyone can be a hard *** when they want, what do you think?--Quadkillz--

I think you summed it up in your last sentence. A lot of people on the internet like to feel cool by putting others down, when they won't ever, everrr meet 'em.

Because the folks who hang out on the internet are nerds -- and nerds are nerds because they care a lot of about things most other people don't -- and when two people differ about something they care about they argue.

lol because humans are stupid like that by nature.

EDIT:

wow my experience with the forum is much different that yours. People are much nicer here than say...gametrailers or 1up? People can be very helpful here and some may make a dumb joke, but it doesn't hurt anyone.martialbullet

Except the 360 forum, you simply ask "why the heck is this in the 360 board? This should be posted in General Gaming" and they'll reply with "because you touch yourself at night!"

I also don't even dare LOOK in system wars, but I imagine it...

A.) Keeps the a-holes out and keeps them battling for ages and ages while we can enjoy ourselves on other forums.

B.) Is called "System Wars" so I'd assume it's full of everything I hate about forums, and no discussion will ever come to an end, and everyone is biased to a single system.

You're using the wrong internet, that's why. Cerussite

@_@ perhaps

and jeez, yet another example. I was looking at the 'post your picture' thread.. Some guy.. posted a picture, he has longer hair than most guys that posted. Just like that "EMO", someone throws in that comment.. Then it turns into a bunch of flaming, all because some guy posted a picture of himself. It's like .. everyone wants to be an A HOLE.. But maybe that's just the world... and not the internet. But I rarely see that in real life. Even in high school :/ [just graduated]--Quadkillz--

HAHAHA, I actually posted something about that guy, turns out he was just kidding around, but I know what you mean, people are a bit ridiculous, I remember there was a thread that said "post a sad song" and someone comes in and goes "/emo thread" which is ridiculous cuz not a single song posted was "emo".

another problem, is that Sarcasm and jokes can be mis-interpreted more because we're only reading text, and the best way to show our emotions is with emoticons (:D) or "JK LOL".

Now me personally, I don't get too much flaming. But merely speculating, I notice people tend to be asses. But GS forums usually are great, especially compared to some others I've seen.--Quadkillz--

yeah really, GS is my favorite because not only is the most well desgined and well structured forum there is (like IGN or Gamefaqs, and Gametrailers is ok, but it is still pretty bad.) but the community doesn't seem to be as annoying as most other forums, I guess having a place for fanboys and trolls to go (system wars) has a lot to do with "keeping the bad guys out" so heck, System Wars is probably what makes the forum "clean" (besides the mods and users who are responsible enough to report users.)

What's the problem? Flame wars are vastly more entertaining than 200 threads about girl problems.

Honestly, I love watching people flame eachother back and forth.

Hell, I'll even flame people if I think they're stupid enough to deserve it.