The New Age Of Digital Disrespect

Over the past decade, online interactions have become noticeably harsher. What was once a space for harmless debate and entertainment has now turned into a hotbed of public shaming, trolling, and unchecked hostility.

Rani Mehra (18), a Mumbai-based content creator shares her ordeal. “I wanted to give content creation a shot, but I didn't think of the trolls in that space. It was hellish, I am a dark- skinned girl and not size zero. The comments were like – fat girl go to the gym, eat better, black girl etc. It was heartbreaking because I put a lot of effort into my content and the only comment I received was about my body and colour.”

Chitra S, an equal rights activist received “abusive threats” regularly for sharing her views and reports of human rights violations in India. “I managed to track down one troller and was shocked to know that it was a 70-year-old widow,” she says.

While older generations may argue that Gen Z lacks empathy, studies suggest that this perception is misleading. Dr. Surabhi Mitra, a consultant psychiatrist, explains, “Online disrespect is increasing pri- marily due to the disinhibition effect, where people feel less restricted and more likely to behave poorly online because of anonymity, lack of direct physical consequences, and a reduced sense of empathy due to the absence of face-to-face interaction. This leads to behaviours they wouldn't exhibit in person.”

The ability to conceal one’s identity online makes it easier for people to target others — especially public figures or those they feel have wronged them in some way.

Social media does not merely enable rudeness — it rewards it. Algorithms prioritize content that provokes strong reactions, even if those reactions stem from outrage or cruelty. Posts that generate more likes, comments, and shares — whether positive or negative — are pushed to the forefront. “Seeing others engage in disrespectful behaviour online can normalize it and encourage others to do the same,” Dr. Mitra explains. Most of these accounts lack a valid identity. It could be a 12-year-old going trigger-happy or a 60-year- old venting frustration.

This environment fosters a toxic cycle: users post inflammatory content for validation, others pile on, and the engagement- driven algorithm amplifies it further. Research does not suggest that Gen Z is inherently less compassionate than previous generations. Dr. Shreya Sharma, a teenage specialist says, “Many teens don’t realize the weight of their words online. The digital world feels separate from real life, making it easier to say things they wouldn’t dare say in person.” Arguments that might have ended with a face-to- face apology in the past now spiral into public callouts, mass dogpiling, and even threats.

While many social media companies have introduced policies to combat cyberbullying, their enforcement remains inconsistent. Reporting systems are often ineffective, and punitive measures — like account suspensions — are easily bypassed by creating new accounts.

Additionally, social media companies profit from engagement. Controversy fuels interactions, and interactions drive ad revenue. Body positivity activist Rachel Owens says that it is heartbreaking to see young people torn down for their appearance, their opinions, or just existing online. Rachel says, “Platforms have a responsibility to do more than just issue hollow statements.”

There is no easy solution to the rise of online rudeness, but change is possible. Experts suggest that a multi-faceted approach is needed. Ultimately, the internet reflects the values of those who use it. If more people choose kindness over cruelty, social media can become a space for genuine connection rather than hostility.