What explains the ad hominem rampant in online discourse?
roundsquare: Lots of room for misinterpretation online.  You type something and you think its clear, but the next person who reads it misinterprets.  You don't get a chance to explain yourself before the person gets mad and replies with ad hominem.This is especially true when this happens on a subject someone is sensitive too.  Someone sees something that resembles something else they think is horrible and they go nuts.Though its tough to do this all the time, I think the best thing to do online is give someone the benefit of the doubt.  If you think someone is suggesting something immoral, ask a clarifying question.