This underscores so much of what's wrong with communication on the internet.

It's very difficult to say atrocious things to people in person. Eye contact and emotions and physical threats can do a lot to suddenly change our conviction.

Of course, that's also part of the value of digital communication — you can say what needs to be said to bullies and bad actors without fearing physical retaliation, or even just telling loved ones the hard things.

But even that gets abused when we pile on and join witch hunts and a personal cost of nothing more than a few clicks of the mouse.

Great essay, great story-telling, very enjoyable read.