Storms in a teacup

> Netizens, hungry for group validation, are nitpicking over small things and ignoring more important issues

of someone eating the McDonald’s, er, ‘foodstuff’ with a knife and fork instead of fingers.

“It’s so weird,” said one comment. “People who do things like that might be serial killers.”

Reddit and Twitter, meanwhile, were outraged over people who buy hot pizzas and then carry them vertically.

“Who carries pizza like that?” said one Tweeter. “I think I am witnessing a drug deal.”

Modern, liberal internet society hates non-conformity and loves exposing misfits. Why?

“Historically, humans have always gathered to discuss behavioural morality in religious and cultural gatherings,” a psychologist, who did not want her name printed, explained to me via email.

“Now, many are missing such forums.”

Prof Ryan Martin, who studies anger, told the New York Times that people are angry on the internet because they are hungry for group validation.

When others share their shock, “they feel they’re vindicated and a little less lonely and isolated in their belief”.

The bad thing is that evil, unscrupulous media people can exploit this to get clicks on their own posts.

I need to stop here. I feel the need to go buy jean shorts.

Nury Vittachi is an Asia-based frequent traveller. Send ideas and comments to lifestyle. nury@thesundaily.com.