So I got to thinking….
Predictably, after Noah’s disappointing finish at Pan-Ams, a couple of cowards crawled behind their keyboards and took some shots at him (and indirectly at me) on the Mac Throw Video message board. This isn’t anything new or even remotely important in the grand scheme of things, but it got me thinking about the psychology of those who post their thoughts anonymously on chat boards…
This has nothing to do with those who post obvious jokes or with those who share information, facts, or data. It has to do with those people who comment on someone’s training or technique. It is about those people who pretend to have some authority or experience that gives them special insight into the events and how it should be done.
My questions for these people are endless… What’s the point? What’s the end game? What’s in it for you? Do you train with them on a daily basis to know all the background? These aren’t really answerable questions so I have to think about where these people come from in a psychological sense.
My favorite of the recent comments on Mac Throw Video was this one:
“Anon0262: …if that was Noah Bryant with the 19.23 m result, i think it’s time for him to change his coach, his approach to training, as many variables as possible because it’s a shame shcu a charismatic athlete to perform less and less at such a young age. IF he still wants it…” (sic)
There is a lot of vitriolic opinion there. It is full of bravado yet he (by the way, could it ever be a she?) won’t sign his name to it. Why not? Would he say this to Noah’s face? Would he say it my face?
There is no way he would.
So why post it? Is he trying to start a “discussion”? What constructive purpose could this comment possibly serve? Does he think that Noah will read his comment and it will be the impetus that makes Noah wake up and think “Jeez, you know, that guy on the internet has a point… I do need to want it more… I should change coaches and change everything about my training.”
Obviously, that’s classic delusional thinking. And I think that is the crux of these posters’ psychological make up. The people who post these comments anonymously possess more delusional mental qualities than the typically balanced person. At some level, this behavior (compulsion?) of posting anonymously is about filling a void in their psyche. They have somehow made themselves believe that their opinion matters. I suspect the delusion starts most often in one of two ways:
1. Perhaps this guy’s parent(s) were overbearing and continually told him that he “needs to do what he’s told” etc… to the point that none of his opinions at home were ever considered or valued. This would lead to a classic “over compensation” syndrome where he’d want to lash out with his “knowledge” and share it with as many people as possible. The idea of posting anonymously is very appealing because he can’t be judged. His “genius” can just stand on its own merit (or lack thereof).
2. Or, on the other end of the spectrum, his parents may have told him he could do no wrong and that his every thought was precious. He is so unique and special, no one could possibly not see his gifts. It becomes his obligation to share his insights with the world. In this case, posting anonymously appeals to him because it offers protection to his “bubble.” If this person posts his background and/or credentials, he’s vulnerable. He must protect himself and his ego. Anonymity provides this.
In either case, the guy grew up delusional and it has manifested itself on internet chat boards.
On a grand scale, I think there is a lesson here. Don’t raise your kids to think they are worthless and don’t raise your kids to think they are too special to the planet. There is a sweet spot in raising kids’ feelings of self worth and empowering them to think critically. Unfortunately, this balance seems elusive to all too many. And they end up cultivating these kinds of delusional people.
Of course, in the “old days” (before the glory of the internet) this guy and his delusional thinking would have been cured by society. He would have gotten his ass kicked enough while he was growing up to beat some humility into him. After all, “it takes a village to raise a child,” right? In the old days, “The Village” would have balanced whatever poor parenting he received at home. He would have started as a young kid sharing these kinds of “opinions” and someone would have told him to “shut the fuck up.” And if he didn’t, someone would’ve punched him in the face. Soon, those “opinions” and his delusion would’ve been corrected.
We don’t do that anymore in our Village. I miss it.
