Let's face it, people online are angry ... Really angry. So angry, in fact, that most of the 'net has become uncomfortable for those of us without a healthy dose of gamma rays. How might we change the world scene of internet rage-o-holics, you may ask? Well, we have Valium ... but we probably couldn't get everyone to take their doses. So as an alternative to mind altering drugs I've compiled some things to help all us Rage-o-holics out here. Gaaa! I Hate Lists!
Back when the Earth was flat and oddly the center of the universe, a guy called Aristotle thought that when we release or "purge" our emotions via viewing dramatic theater, we relieve mental tension and are psychologically refreshed. While I personally don't take advice from people who don't wear pants, a pretty good shrink named Sigmund Freud shared a similar theory. (He wore pants) Freud claimed that if you excessively contain your negative emotions they will eventually fester and later resurface as a psychological disorder. Seems logical right? Consequently, Freud upheld the idea that you should express your anger rather than restrain it. The above concepts are commonly known as catharsis. While later research has gone on to show that the catharsis hypothesis has very little positive evidence to back it up, it's hard not to wonder as a gamer if jumping into a competitive multiplayer match to blow off steam is positive evidence of releasing mental stress in a cathartic manner. Headshot catharsis, I wonder? Nevertheless, we all know that randomly "purging" our emotions rarely ever help anyone. Most likely, releasing our anger at the moment of tension will cause more issues between the person (and thing) and ourselves rather than solving it.
If knowledge is power, then how can we use our newfound power to get rid of the rage? Fatalities? Kill-Streaks? Torturing Sims? Well, how 'bout we start with an easy one - lets break out the tips!
Take a breather, both literally and figuratively. The first thing you want to do is hold your tongue and take a deep breath. Controlled breathing lowers your heart rate and will reduce stress. By letting your anger cool by even a second can allow you to relax and give better responses to the argument (or annoying twitter user) in question. This time you've allowed yourself to have will also give you a chance to assess the situation and see if a reply is even worth your time.
Lay back and relax. Repeating simple techniques such as deep breathing or even eating well have been proven to reduce stress related anger, and thus will have an effect on your reactions to everyday annoyances. Immersing yourself in enjoyable activities such as "owning teh noobs", leveling, or whatever you might like will pay dividends when comes to relaxing. After all E-Mail wars can really leave a kink in your shoulders.
Expect the completely expected. Another sad truth of the internet - everyone's stupid - yup even me. So when somebody doesn't like your review of a game, your comment, or anything else you might take pride in - forget 'em. So what if they don't like your demon-hunter's new hairstyle. So what if they don't like your review on a game that they haven't played yet. If you reply to their claims in a calm, firm, logical manner, they most likely won't have anything to refute your opinion. Lowering your expectations with internet communities will help to block and parry the thoughtless jabs of your online peers. And on the flipside, why care if the developer decides to change something about a game? You don't own it; most likely Sony, Microsoft, or Activision/Blizzard owns it. Why care if so-and-so didn't like the game you thought deserved a 10, it's just an opinion. Maybe I'm being too harsh on these haters - they are just doing their jobs after all. Because as we all know, the internet community - just like a village - needs a few idiots. I guess these guys will fit the bill perfectly.
So, hopefully you find my tips and tricks helpful in our course through Rage-o-holics Anonymous. But if you forget all else, remember this nerd proverb: He that is slow to wrath ... only needs to buy one controller. Can I hear an Amen?