Madeleine McCann - why are people so obsessed?

[Anna]

There's never been a case like this one after the internet grew has there. Not involving the UK anyway, but in US there are obviously comparisons.

I'm not defending much of what's gone on since 2007 online, but it's really not difficult to explain why it happened.

I agree, Lyall, to an extent.

I think this case is not only unique, in the fact that a child disappeared from her bed, while on holiday abroad and no trace of her has ever been found, but also and probably more importantly, in the case of researching, is that the detailed files including, Statements are available for all to peruse.

 I believe that the above, a book(free to read on line), the internet and press articles, have fuelled the interest of those searching for the truth, or what may have started as mere curiosity, becoming an obsessive pastime.

Some who feel that they have discovered what they perceive to be proof of  the parents involvement, have, in some cases, made a very nasty game of scoring points, against those who believe in their innocence and vice versa. Nothing will change this.

This obsession is akin to, the violent fanatical type of football supporters and at its worst, racism, but as the battle that rages on, gathers speed, even nastier retorts and more warriors of an obsessive nature,  on their march to prove their righteousness, it is becoming, much, much worse IMO.

In the meantime a family is going through hell and being torn to bits by people they have never even met………………Justice?

As we all know, there is no evidence to date as to what may have happened to Madeleine.
We can only await any new evidence  in the case and pray that it will soon be resolved………………..Well, I do!

[Carana]

I've read articles about people becoming obsessed over scoring points on online games and saying / doing nasty things to / about their opponents. I've no idea whether to what extent it may be true or not, but then I've never understood the mentality behind hooliganism of any sort.

I have no problem with people asking legitimate questions... but I do have a problem with people repeating myths that they must know to be false.

Why do they do this? What is the point?

[Lyall]

I've read articles about people becoming obsessed over scoring points on online games and saying / doing nasty things to / about their opponents. I've no idea whether to what extent it may be true or not, but then I've never understood the mentality behind hooliganism of any sort.

I have no problem with people asking legitimate questions... but I do have a problem with people repeating myths that they must know to be false.

Why do they do this? What is the point?

As was said in the recent Sun article people who want to be noticed online feel they have to be outrageous. That's an easily observable phenomenon.

[Anna]

I've read articles about people becoming obsessed over scoring points on online games and saying / doing nasty things to / about their opponents. I've no idea whether to what extent it may be true or not, but then I've never understood the mentality behind hooliganism of any sort.

I have no problem with people asking legitimate questions... but I do have a problem with people repeating myths that they must know to be false.

Why do they do this? What is the point?

Yes it appears to be the case with many contest participants.....bad losers.
However there are no winners or losers with this case, since nobody knows what happened to Maddie. The repetitive chants are to say the least.....most irritating and of no use in debate or research, to anyone.

[Carana]

As was said in the recent Sun article people who want to be noticed online feel they have to be outrageous. That's an easily observable phenomenon.

Is this different from the motivation to behave outrageously during football matches? Or is it simply a virtual outlet for similar behaviour?

[Lyall]

It's a unique case Anna, and there's no precedent for how to deal with the issues discussion of this case has generated. I doubt the McCanns themselves take much notice of it though, if any.

[Anna]

Is this different from the motivation to behave outrageously during football matches? Or is it simply a virtual outlet for similar behaviour?

Virtual outlet is a good description, Carana. One can do as much harm, without the use of fists or weapons, as they can with and even more if it is rival gang or mob rule.

[Lyall]

Is this different from the motivation to behave outrageously during football matches? Or is it simply a virtual outlet for similar behaviour?

I don't think so. A missing child generates strong feelings, and that's natural. That's why discussion of this case will last longer than the Dando, Kelly and Diana cases.

[Eleanor]

If you're gullible enough to believe the McCanns.

And Off Topic Posts are going to be deleted shortly.

[Eleanor]

You  usually hit delete the moment I press post .

Why the delay?

Because you occasionally come up with something sensible.

[Wonderfulspam]

Because you occasionally come up with something sensible.

I try not to.

[Eleanor]

I try not to.

That is a pity.  I've seen some quite good posts from you recently.  They must have been an aberration.

[Brietta]

I've read articles about people becoming obsessed over scoring points on online games and saying / doing nasty things to / about their opponents. I've no idea whether to what extent it may be true or not, but then I've never understood the mentality behind hooliganism of any sort.

I have no problem with people asking legitimate questions... but I do have a problem with people repeating myths that they must know to be false.

Why do they do this? What is the point?

Some people find use of the internet very convenient for their own ends.

There are those who manipulate for advertising and propaganda purposes ... and there are those who are happy to be manipulated.

For example ... a blog pushing a particular political viewpoint took exception to an individual appearing on a political leaflet promoting another party ... suggested (did not accuse) the individual was an actress and posted her picture alongside that of a professional actress who looked nothing like her.
That was enough to unleash a vitriolic internet storm with people really believing what they thought they had read and seen on the blog.

Oh the power of propaganda.

[faithlilly]

Some people find use of the internet very convenient for their own ends.

There are those who manipulate for advertising and propaganda purposes ... and there are those who are happy to be manipulated.

For example ... a blog pushing a particular political viewpoint took exception to an individual appearing on a political leaflet promoting another party ... suggested (did not accuse) the individual was an actress and posted her picture alongside that of a professional actress who looked nothing like her.
That was enough to unleash a vitriolic internet storm with people really believing what they thought they had read and seen on the blog.

Oh the power of propaganda.

Indeed.

[Eleanor]

Why am I obsessed?  I would like to think that it is altruistic and a pursuit of Justice as I hope it to be.  But it isn't, of course.
I live alone and do need some level of communication with the outside world, good or bad though it may be.  So I suspect that this is the reason for why I am here.  And pleased to assist anyone who needs the same thing, no matter if they disagree with me.
But I do think that we all have to understand in our own heads, the reasons for why we do this.