Video Could Be Key to a Kinder, Gentler World

These days it's easy to leave snarky comments from anonymous accounts, using fake identities. But what if people had to reveal themselves and leave video comments instead of text messages? Or easily see someone introduce herself via video profile. How many of those individuals would temper their responses if others knew who they really were? And similarly if they could "face" the person to whom they were reacting, see them as real people with real emotions speaking their own minds -- how many might hesitate, even for an instant, to spew hate at them? Of course there are going to be those who won't care. But others? They may just see their sister or mother or uncle in the respondent, and reply with a bit more understanding or empathy. It's worth a try. And if we could create a digital world that's just a bit kinder and gentler -- it would all be worth it.