Internet Fuckwad Syndrome

In·ter·net Fuck·wad Syn·drome,
n.

An Internet disorder where the patient, while acting under the anonymity of an Internet identity, proceeds to act in a manor both disparaging and embarrassing if said individual were to conduct himself in such a way in RL.

The pathology of this disorder stems from the intoxicating effect of freedom from repercussion when violating societal values and morals anonymity can provide. With no perceived penalty for prepubescent, immature behaviour, weaker individuals lose all inhibition, and proceed to mindlessly annoy, harass, abuse, and assault their peers whilst online.

The pathology is succinctly described through John Gabriel's Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory (Penny Arcade; "Green Blackboards (And Other Anomalies)"; 2004/03/19)

Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

·Trolling;

·Posting irreverent, shallow criticisms or comments on YouTube;

·Arguing with an admin on any site;

·Liberally using racial slurs;

·Backing up the use of racial slurs with equally racist rationalizations;

·Creating and distributing Spam; and

·Being a minor on the Internet.

Treatment requires an immediate intervention and disconnection from any Internet feed, as this is the sole vector of Internet pathogens, including text forms, and send buttons.

Abbreviated by the initialism (IFS), and also known as Anonymous Asshat Syndrome (AAS)

Dude, I was watching a pretty awesome video online, and some asshat has to comment, "this is the greatest piece of shite since your mother brought you into this world". What an asshole; if he/she flew their mouth off like that in the real world, they would be eating people's fists regularly. I pity these losers; they suffer from Internet Fuckwad Syndrome.

Internet Fuckwad Syndrome by Echo Pryce January 15, 2010