I think overall the world is angrier. I do these long posts where I dive deep into a subject and talk about. Like the one about "The Story" I posted here, you can see my blog for more examples. Anyway, it seems like social media, T.V and even movies are leading the world into depression and in turn frustration and anger. It is why I moved into a site like this.
I have a LOOONG theory about why people assign intent, but they do. Long story short, that reaction overall is more about them than about you. I am a Muslim, but if someone near me says something like "I hate Islam" or even "I hate Muslims" I don't get offended because it is not about me and they have reasons that I could either pursue to change his mind or overlook them. Getting angry in the end is SO easy.
Just upvotes and praise means your work is perfect basically, feedback means it is not. The only way to improve is the latter. And you should be venturing out of hibernation more often.
I'd love to read your theories about how people assign intent! People hear me say stupid things and ascribe it to malice, but I have never knowingly offended; just thoughtlessly, stupidly; and yes, with a degree in English and decades of living, I should by now be able to comprehend how things I say will sound to the listener. But I never anticipate the slammed doors, the anger, the reactions to things I say. How can I be so inept? "Mortification of Silence" is what I must practice, but I forever keep offering feedback instead, not just to writers and bloggers, but friends and family. People don't really want to know what we think. They want affirmations. They want trophies, upvotes, rewards, but not constructive criticism. The occasional exception (a writer like you) is what keeps me from remaining in hibernation. Thanks for your thoughts on this. You sound very wise! Getting angry is the usual knee-jerk reaction. Trying to see where the commenter is coming from: who does that? You do! And that gives me hope. :)