Korean Job Discussion Forums

[GoingKorean]

Why do people feel the need to get so angry at eachother on the forums. Some people post the simplest or unconfrontational topics and somehow it creates a whirwind of angry people trying to start arguments. Is it because they are safe at home behind their computer that they feel like they can talk like this to one another?

I don't get it. As corny as it sounds, why can't people just be nice to one another. It really isn't that hard. It is a choice to be wicked and angry just as it is a choice to be pleasant and kind. I would much rather know that I am complimenting people rather than offending them.

Start the whirlwind of arguments....I bet I'll get some good ones with this one.

[Underwaterbob]

Have you ever been to a forum where everyone gets along and everyone is friendly? Booooring! Likely such a board is on it's way to becoming inactive. We rail against conflict as being senseless, yet stagnate in it's absence.

[GoingKorean]

I have no issues with conflict if it is warranted. Certain things do require a bit of touch love, but there is tact involved, even in this. What I do have an issue is people being cruel to one another for no reason at all aside from the fact that they are miserable, sad human beings who get a high from bringing other people down.

I have heard a lot of people say a really nasty, negative comments and then censor it by saying "Get used to it, because if you live in Korea you need to have a thick skin".......What Korea are you living in? Do we think that because we teach here that we are owed some sort of medal and that we are allowed to be cruel to one another because of it? I don't want to leave Korea thinking that it made me a less approachable person who chooses not to trust people.

I have had my rant.....

Sorry if I am offending people, it took me a while to comment on this concern, but I felt a need to get it off my chest. I won't be discussing in this thread anymore....I'll just let everyone decide their own opinion.

[Underwaterbob]

It is the Internet after all. I highly caution against anyone taking it too seriously.

[Koveras]

[D.D.]

It's a lot better now than it was before. People have chilled out a lot this year

[jajdude]

I'd say there are several things involved. On the internet rudeness is normal and you won't get punched in the head or lose your job here. You can express your frustrations freely. It's not so easy to do that directly to people if you want to have pleasant social interactions in your life, as most of us do. I'd even say it's a healthy thing, being able to be an asshole online if you need to be; better and safer than being one around people. Maybe a lot of people just have the urge to be assholes, and the internet is the best place for it. You can express a lot of things here that you might be hesitant to say directly to people. Being anonymous and not having to see others as real people, you can drop bombs if you like.

Plus, some people just want attention. A bit childish I guess.

Anyway, I find it idiotic to be rude just because you know you can get away with it.

[EuroFunk]

[T-J]

[Starla]

They're miserable. No happy person would start confrontations on-line. Luckily though, the English teachers I've met here in Korea in person have been really nice. Dave's seems to attract a lot of social misfits.

[jajdude]

Some people just have an online persona, nothing like their real personalities. I think they like acting or attention or arguing, or god knows what. Quite a few of these personae are entertaining, and for some people forums like this are rarely to be taken seriously, so maybe they are just getting their kicks. That's cool enough in its own way.

[Joe666]

This isthe problems with technology such as the internet. Everything is becoming so inpersonable. If these pseudo-conversations were conducted face to face in a sociable setting, I believe the content would be much different. I agree with goingkorean, people need to lighten up a bit. Topics and statements can become misconstrued (did I spell that correctly). If the Korean authorities are spying in on this site, it's no wonder they look down on us with distain (did I spell that one correct). Wow, I am going to make a great english teacher. Those trips to school on the short bus did wonders for my spelling.

[MikeGrey]

Because the Internet is Serious Business




and from the safety behind your computer you can appear to be an a@@ and a know-it all about everything. A jack of all trade, but a master of none as we say in America. Online personas give the poster a certain amount of arrogance and it snowballs. One person says a nasty thing because he/she thinks he knows better and it gets worse from there.

[friendoken]

I lived in Korea for a year and it is stressful and at times extremely frustrating. I think some people take these emotions and turn them against online posters because it is one of a very few options. You can't bite the hand that feeds you. Even if you are an exemplary employee and fulfill your contractual obligations fully - then decide to move on to other options - your Korean boss can (and often does) turn on you like a rabid dog, because he has lost face (at least in his/her mind).

It's a silly place that has many more downs than ups IMHO.