The Anonymity of the Internets

What is it about a fairly anonymous environment that encourages people to be total a-holes?

The following is an exact copy of what somebody posted online, playing poker, on the Book of Face no less!:

________

(I enter the room)

David : alex suck ass

David : alex is a jackass

(thinking about posting a reply... I start to type only to be interrupted by this gem)

David : alex is a ass hole

(never mind, I don't even want to go there anymore)

David : so alex how much weed do smoke

David : alex is a ass

David : alex is a ass

(this was every so often, then the total kicker...)

David : alex i will pray for you

(ahhhh!!! WTF? Really?)

David : no come back (< I have no idea what this comment was about)

David : it look like i win the batt

David : but not the war

(Celine enters the room. Poor, unsuspecting, Celine. Notice his sudden change in demeanor, as well as her witty, dare I say flirtatious remarks)

David : hi celine

David : how was your day

David : just find

David : that great

David : so want do like to do

David : i like football and baskball

David : that great

David : so were are you working rigth now

David : think you very much celine for talk to me

(Wait a minute, she hasn't been involved in the conversation. Am I really seeing some crazy guy holding a conversation with himself on a poker room chat? Wow, glad I didn't respond earlier)

David : and may be we can be friend

David : that sound great

David : cool

Alex Stigall: nh

(Celeus enters the room, good luck Celeus!)

David : celeus is a jackass

David : and a hole

David : and a ass hole

David : no come back lose

(Then, in a final coup d'etat)

David : alex do want to be friends

________

Oh the joy. Crazy crazy internet people. I think the only thing crazier than doing this would be to copy the whole thing and post it with comments somewhere else on the internet! Oh wait...