The internet is as serious as one wants to make it. It mimics life in that regard. If you're constantly rude to those in your social circle then they won't like socializing with you—through the internet or other. The internet is just a tool, and like other tools it doesn't excuse bad behavior by the operator. You might be anonymous, but the character you've built around your username isn't. The internet is fascinating in that it allows for social interactions with fictional characters! If your character is just a jerk then that's disappointing—you have no constraints, make something better! The world is what we make it, and that includes the internet (:- )