Sometimes when trying to be supportive on the net I worry I may be talking to someone who may actually be the villain in a situation trying to find someone on the net (who really knows nothing about them) to tell them they are right when everyone around them is telling them they're not. I could prolong or even worsen their silly behavior by taking their side (I really have no idea if this happens on this site).

When in doubt I try to make suggestions that will be constructive regardless of whether they are the "goody" or the "bady". I firmly believe everyone deserves constructive and supportive psychological advice but it may have to be neutral, not taking sides.

It's not an easy one, it may be worth the risk of being nice to a "jerk" if it's necessary to get to those in real need and i guess there's a lot to be said for innocent until proven guilty, and it's a matter of personality, personal style etc.