Digital Citizenship and Flaming

While reading the article "Flame First, Think Later" written by Daniel Goleman I learned a lot more than I thought I would initially. I have always known what it meant to say things over the internet, or while sitting behind the screen of a cellphone, but I suppose I've never really heard of it referred to as flaming, but as I read on, it made more and more sense. Flaming is "sending a message that is taken offensive, embarrassing, or down right rude," (Goleman, 2007) I have always considered I guess what is called flaming to be similar to cyber bullying but in reality they're two separate things completely. Personally I think everyone can be guilty of flaming. Most of us, myself included, can sometimes say things without even knowing how it's going to be reciprocated to someone else. I think that people rely on this clearly as a cover and that can sometimes be a negative thing which can circle back to cyber bullying especially for younger generations. I've always been a shy person and I can honestly say I've written out a text message or an email because it was easier to say something to someones face but I've also done the opposite and relied on just face-to-face interaction. However, I do think that reading this article and learning the true definition about what flaming is has opened my eyes and reminded me that not everyone is the same as you and to think before you speak, or type so to speak.