Internet vs Real Life

One of the things that binds this community together is the fact that  we found refuge here from the Timmies.
Now, one of the things that erked me most about the Timmies was their magnificent ability to talk to trash and act tough. Whe I say talking trash, I don't mean the well intended satirical banter that for example, Zikan and I exchange. Or the plethora of "NoGay" jokes that are spewed on a nightly basis in my clan's forum or lobbies. I mean the "I am behind a mic and in the safety of the internet" tough talk. I foten wonder what it is that affords people that feeling of safety? Is it the anonimity?  The distance? The familiarity of their surroundings? All of the above? I tend to lean to the latter.
One thing that the new communication medium that the internet has become for us affords us is the feeling of safety that comes with knowing that as soon as you turn the computer off, the confrontation can end. It gives people the "license" they otherwise would not have. I am willing to bet that 99.9% of those that talk in such manner would not have the coglioni to do so in a face-to-face situation. This internet gives them the spine they lack. Sad, isn't it? I go by this rule: Would I say it to your face and face the consequences? If the answer is yes, I roll with it.