> Many people still feel anonymity gives them carte blanche to be a jerk,
I don't think it's even anonymity, for some, indirect communication is enough: I once had a roommate who would leave unpleasant messages on the answering machine, but would be perfectly nice in person (on the same topic, even).
This is why I left facebook a few years ago: people who, in person, were reasonnable and nice friends spewing hatred online. I decided I'd rather not hear from those people very often and keep good memories of them (and the occasional contact) than just turn my back on them.
I don't think it's even anonymity, for some, indirect communication is enough: I once had a roommate who would leave unpleasant messages on the answering machine, but would be perfectly nice in person (on the same topic, even).