Stephen Downes

Another article looking at the phenomenon of mass retaliation on this internet, this time depicting it as public shaming. "To me, public shaming is a symptom of institutional failure. It flourishes when people feel there is no accountability or possibility of redress through other channels. As our legal system matured and the concept of due process developed, we were content to outsource punishment to the state. Now, with trust in our institutions failing, we want to take matters into our own hands again."