COVID really kicked the hostility into high gear. I've been a mod on the sister sub for nearly a decade, and prior to COVID, moderator actions could often be counted in the low double digits for an entire year. Needless to say, that is no longer the case.

I'm currently overseas, but I've had the thought of putting together another meet up upon my return. One of the reasons I did so in the first place (other than wanting an excuse to drink beer with new and interesting strangers) was to remind the community that there is a physical person behind each username. Of the dozens of gatherings I organized, I can't recall a single serious argument/fight, despite the fact that there were people of all race/class/sex/political affiliation attending. Disagreements, sure, but civil ones.

People think twice about saying nasty things when they recognize the humanity of the person behind the screen.