India, July 28 -- The internet was meant to connect us, but all too often it feels like a battleground of harsh comments, unsolicited opinions, and casual cruelty. From trolling and cancel culture to passive-aggressive tweets and nasty DMs, online spaces can quickly turn toxic.

But why do people say things online they'd never say in real life? What is it about a screen that brings out the worst in some of us? Therapist Jeffrey Meltzer, in his July 23 Instagram post, breaks down the psychology behind this digital rudeness and why the internet can make us meaner than we realise. (Also read: Therapist says these 5 everyday habits could secretly damage your mental health: 'It destroys your attention span' )

Jeffrey explains in his post, "Th...