I'd think it be different offline vs online for both parties. One is more emboldened in one situation, the other would be more intimidated. At least to me, words on a screen don't offend me that much or get a rise out of me as they do in person. Likewise, insults from me to others don't get the same reaction from experience. This is just insulting or snarky comments not doing something illegal as threatening death or rape or something. Although in person, I'd imagine those would be more worrying as well..the attacker is within striking distance.
Anyway, not like this will change much, people are uncivil in general these days.
Shame some **** hipster going mental is the impetus for this discussion in the 'community'.
We work here ?