Atheists turning to cult behaviour?

[robvalue]

I've been thinking about this, and I probably over reacted in some sense. I think all of this is just evidence that a lot of people are nasty, which is nothing new. Terrible, but already clear.

People in general mask their naked personality to a large degree when dealing with people face to face, at least without alcohol or "all their mates". On the internet it's so easy to drop that veil and become who you really are. Or perhaps go further, if that makes sense, as there is little holding you in check. I see the same thing on the roads, people would not generally act so aggressively and recklessly if they were face to face. People do what they think they can get away with, a lot of the time.

Anonymity has become a big problem, people consider themselves unaccountable for their messages. And the sheep mentality kicks in. Once a few people have had a go at someone, the rest of them feel safe to join the mob.

It's thoroughly disgusting, and I hope that some way is found to stop or at least address this cyber bullying. But on reflection I don't think this is in any way to do with atheism, just to do with dickheads, some of which happen to be atheist.