Why do people tend to lose their manners on the Internet?

I have stopped reading comments on blogs and newspapers online since it only makes me mad. I can’t believe how rude people can be to others just because they are “hidden” behind their computers. They probably get some sort of kick out of calling others names and being rude.

Sorry for ranting and generalizing, but the topic makes me upset. I am glad I have found Fluther though, I haven’t seen any rudeness around here at all. You are all indeed great folk!

So will people ever starting to realize that the Internet is a lot like “the real world”? Would the same people being rude on the Internet be rude when they’re out meeting people in town? What kicks do they get from being like this?