Ok. I disagree with you that this isn't "IRL." It's been my experience that it is because whatever happens here, whatever we read, etc. DOES impact us one way or the other. We cry, we laugh, we share and many times more so than in 3D. There's something about telling a stranger our innermost secrets that's not quite as frightening as telling someone face to face.

We take away with us what we've experienced here no matter whether it's good or bad. There have even been a few lives saved because a suicidal person was in chat with someone. If that isn't "IRL," then I don't know what is. I'm a different person than I was four years ago simply because I've experienced many things here on this board. That makes it "IRL" for me.

Maybe people are so tormented IRL, so disrespected IRL that it rubs off on them and they naturally display it here to others?

Again, whether we've been tormented or disrespected in 3D or vitually, we are still products of our experiences.

Maybe sadness makes people say things they wouldn't normally?

Isn't that a biproduct of almost any mental illness?

Maybe being virtual allows people to say things they wouldn't normally, but want or need to?

Very simply, yes! For us to know and accept that, don't you think, falls under the category of SUPPORT?

I choose to not consider your questions as a hijack because, after all, isn't that a part of my point? If you want to get into my head even further, please feel free to do so!