Interesting video.
I have my own theory on why people behave this way however.
As Adam Sessler said, he was called a pretty offensive word by someone who sounded like they were 10 years old. 10. Now think about that for a second. That 10 year old probably lives with their parents or some other form of guardian. They're also undoubtedly a minor. Kids tend to rebel against conventional standards that adults and society as a whole consider to be ethical and moral. Either perhaps as a way of getting back, or, here's a good one, it's been pent up in them so long they release it when no one's looking on people online, due to the internet's ability to have you remain "anonymous", as was said.
Now imagine a kid like that saying those things to their mother. They would get a spanking right quick or some other form of punishment. I'd rather not delve into the issue of parenting, but I feel parents these days have gotten really soft. This behavior typically goes unnoticed by the parent, and once they find out they can get away with it, they'll keep doing it. It's well known fact. It's like a criminal: They find they can get away with a crime at the time, they'll keep doing it because they know they won't be caught.
I won't go out of my way to say it's all young kids either doing this, I've heard some pretty nasty talk from 18 year olds, 21 year olds, even people as old as 30, on Xbox Live. These are the people who are supposed to be setting an example for the young people - oh, they're REALLY setting a good example alright. I wouldn't be surprised if they were the ones causing these kids to do this. It's like saying a racial slur to a young child - you keep saying it in their presence, they'll repeat you later.
At the same time, generalizing all 10 year olds or whatever demographic they are, as ALL like that, is also wrong. This also breeds offensive language, especially in a competitive environment such as online gaming. Which brings me to the whole issue of online gaming: It's not just Xbox Live. It never was. Though the video was about Xbox Live in particular, he made mention of PC gaming, and sadly it's true - it happens just as much with PC gaming and with any other console play I would imagine. Probably even more so with PC gaming, just in a different form. Not everyone may have a headset, but I assure you everyone has a keyboard, and will use that as their insultive weapon.
This is exactly part of the reason I got out of Xbox Live and online gaming in general a while back. If you try to make intelligent conversation with anyone out there, probably 75% of the time they're going to be one of these people. It's a sad but true fact. If I ever do online gaming, I remain totally silent.
Either way, good video, and good post. Brings up a good discussion on a serious issue.
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