I thought I'd find an article somewhere and link to it but then decided I'll just post my thoughts and not scare everyone away with a long first post.

It's pretty much conclusive that online bullying can have drastic and severe repercussions. Most people talk about those repercussions in terms of kids. What I want to introduce is the idea that even adults can bully and be bullied online. Many people shrug off the severity of online bullying because they do not consider that other people may have sensitivities they do not have.

It is important to realize that excessive ostracism, downplaying of people's opinions, mean-spirited comments, poking fun, and name calling can have a real and serious effect on other people.

I think that's silly. If you don't like a particular online site, just leave.

Not everyone can close off their emotions just like that! They're people first, with real, totally legit feelings.

I'm bullied 'cuz I'm not one of the hot shot 1mil posts a day people.

a lot of forums are very easy to pile on a newbie. and it seems there are way too many inside jokes here that I do not get.

How does the fact that they are experiencing feelings make them "totally legit"? At what point is someone overly sensitive? I understand the concept of bullying when it exists at work or school or another area where you are basically captive (at work you can find another job but that usually takes some time). But on the internet, departure is just a click away. If you don't want to put up with abuse, you don't have to.

Maybe you're bullied because you wrote " 'cuz" instead of "because." What's the apostrophe for? What letters are supposed to come before "cuz"?

Is it okay to abuse people as long as your victim has a reasonable opportunity of getting away from you?

Oh, I think everyone gets bullied from time to time here. Seriously, though, the site is very addictive, and if you show a bit of attitude you'll get bullied less.
... I hear that a lot of the really tough posters are quite nice people irl....

I didn't say that. It is wrong to be mean to others.

I think you have a very strong point.

Although, I don't think I'd bully anyone who seemed to be going through a tough time. Bullying is never nice, but I'd definitely be more careful when around someone who seems fragile or hurt.

I completely agree. If you wouldn't say it in their face, don't say it online.

I 100% agree with this. So many people online use their computers as a shield and wouldn't dare speak to someone face to face in the same way. You can say "if you don't like it then leave" but it doesn't take away from the hurt you have experienced. You can also leave a restaurant, say, where people are being nasty to you, but you get the feeling that they are saying "oh he just couldn't take it, could he?" to your back as you walk away.

If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen......

How would you know whether someone is going through a tough time or not?