About Comments

From R' Doni Joszef:

If someone wants to post a YouTube clip exploring the ins-and-outs of his or her toenails, that wouldn’t necessarily bother me, per se. I may even find myself smiling as the homemade ‘documentary’ navigates through some hideously fungal terrain. Who knows? The video may even go “viral,” in which case these toenails would undoubtedly be asked to make a guest appearance on Good Morning America and CNN. Absurd as it sounds, I, personally, find this trend quite humorous.

It’s not a tragedy to laugh at ourselves and the plethora of rather strange human beings that swarm around us. I enjoy nonsense. It makes me laugh. I admit it. Ironically, it’s not the nonsense that I find unsettling. It’s the sense – or, rather, the countless opinions of how to define that term – that has emerged evermore disturbing. Allow me to explain… Of late, the word “comment” has developed new connotations. There was a time, not too long ago, when the function of ‘commentary’ served mainly to express, explain, or expound. But that has all changed.

An ever-expanding, massively consuming, rapidly transforming entity (colloquially referred to as: “The Internet”) has unleashed a whole new genre of commentary, more akin to ammunition than expression. At your own risk, scroll through the dizzying assemblage of comments and replies that erupt in clusters at the end of practically any article, video, or digital what have you. Take your pick. Log on. Log in. See what you find. It ain’t pretty.

What it usually looks like (to quote a few real life samples):

Comment #63 (posted 21 minutes ago) ~“…this article is a waste of space, written by a hypocritical, useless, pig, fool!!!”

Comment #57 (posted 2 hours ago) ~“…whoever posted comment #44 is a fanatic creep! Keep your comments to your sick, demented self!!”

Comment #51 (posted 3 hours ago) ~“…brainless and grossly repulsive!! These posts make me VOMIT!!” We’ve all seen it. We’ve all cringed. Comments have, indeed, degenerated into a hotbed of untamed aggression. Regardless of what the article or video features, the real drama awaits not in the action but in the re-action. Just scroll down. Behold the hostile array of rebuttals and retorts. The animosity is palpable. Articles have, thus, been reduced to appetizers. The main event waits in the ensuing peanut gallery of 'post game' confrontation & condescendence. Apparently, it’s not content but context that serves as bait for so many frenzied commentators. The ability to express opinions, the worldwide exposure this ability now entails, and the anonymous mask behind which such opinions unleash, are three very dangerous ingredients to mix. Such a tumult of collective negativity was, presumably, unforeseeable when the ‘Post Your Comments Here’ feature originally surfaced as a cyber-norm. Forums and comments were intended to encourage open discussion and a healthy exchange of views, not opinionated jabs and painfully brutal knocks. Nonetheless, a newfound surge of worldwide aggression has erupted in the form of so-called “commentary.” These observations are by no means novel. Writers, reporters, and community leaders have been bemoaning this sorry state of affairs for years. This article is not merely meant to expose the trend, but, rather, to appreciate its impetus. What exactly is driving this blatant phenomenon?

There are two answers to this question. One is conscious, the other less so. One justifies and reinforces the trend, the other undermines and reassesses it. On a superficial level (a level within which our defense-friendly consciousness usually feels most comfortable operating), harshly confrontational comments can be seen - and most probably are seen by their authors - as a courageous campaign for some “truth” (note the lowercase t). Many comments have a dogmatic tone of authority and absolute infallibility, as though the buck starts and stops here. But the buck hardly stops there, as one strong-minded declaration of “truth” never ceases to ignite an equal and opposite counter attack. A domino effect unfolds, and - 250 comments later - the lowercase “t” of the so called “truth” has become evermore fragmented, while the truth-bearers now seem more interested in wrestling their newfound opponents than honoring the position they supposedly sought to proclaim. Although they come to enlighten, they remain to fight.

Which brings us to the real dynamics at play... Humans crave attention. When malnourished, our quest for attention morphs into aggression (of the active or passive variety - whichever floats your boat). While babies enjoy the luxury of ranting, raving, kicking, and screaming, adults need to find more sophisticated, less obvious methods of grasping the notice of their surroundings. Insecure people (among whom, myself) often use insult and instigation as their megaphone, while opinionated convictions serve as their vindication. But strip the comments of their supposed ‘causes,’ and you’ll discover a vulnerable voice, subtly pleading from the subconscious chambers of a frail and fragile self-image. I want to assert myself. I want to feel strong. Please notice me. Please respect me. This is, in essence, what comments are truly proclaiming. The Internet has clearly affirmed the adage: “it’s a small world, after all.” But with a smaller world comes an exponentially smaller sense of self. This subtle shift in perspective just may transform our disgust into pity. Today’s “commentators” are not commenting. They are pleading. Desperately begging for a voice. And, upon honest reflection, aren’t we all?~Now, for the main event…

Any comments?