Everyone can find someone like them on the internet. This can often be a good thing- think philanthropy, or connecting the marginalized. Think of Simon Spier, from the movie Love, Simon. If you don't know, it is essentially about a closeted gay high schooler falling in love with a fellow closeted gay classmate online. It's very cute, and only possible because of social media.

The degree of anonymity, or at least the degree perceived makes people braver. It allows them to express themselves more freely, or at least parts of them. Like Simon, a gay boy in a primarily straight pretty small town. While he felt like his family would be fine if he came out, he felt like he'd be changing how everyone saw him if he did. So he played it straight.

However there is also a dark side to this, naturally. The Nasties can connect. The rapists, pedophiles, and criminals can get in touch, too. And if there are others like you- whole communities of them- well, perhaps you are not so Nasty after all. Perhaps such behaviors are normal.

Like I said, this can be a good thing. But polarization, which is what happens when the same ideas are reinforced repeatedly, is rarely a good thing. It is how people end up enemies over differences in opinion that to others seem rather insignificant.

This polarization is what leads to that mob mentality that was discussed in Here Comes Everybody. This can lead to some insane productivity, like the maintenance of Wikipedia. But far more often they gather and "shame" people, like that woman on the flight to Africa. Like WHOA that escalated SO quickly!!! And so violently! I bet there are still people who send her regular threats. I am not condoning or even defending her tweet- it was a joke made in poor taste that she will regret the rest of her life.

As someone who has made similarly stupid mistakes and statements, I can sympathize to a certain degree. Owning up to your mistake and apologizing is all you can do. But she was on a plane, and unable to even realize what a fool hardy joke she had made. By the time she had landed, the situation had progressed past the point of her apology meaning anything. Yes she made her bed, so she needs to lie in it. But GEEZ, let her get up and apologize. I'm assuming the best and that she was indeed making fun of white privilege as she claimed, and not actually being racist.

One statement shouldn't ruin your life. Perhaps make it unpleasant for a bit. But I have to believe that humanity is better than that overall. Otherwise, I'm not sure I'd be able to continue on my current path. I chose chemistry because I want to help people. If people are not worth helping, I couldn't stand it.