So much of the Internet’s muck isn’t about hate speech or slurs — it’s about simple arguing. Callouts. Hot takes. Edge-posting. Shadow “discourse wars” where nobody changes their mind, and everyone walks away mad.
We wanted to know just how common this kind of out-of-pocket online behavior really is, so we surveyed 974 Americans to find out. The result?
A disturbingly honest look at what people admit to with their online behavior.
Key Findings:
- Over 76% of Americans admitted they’ve felt like their online actions carry no real-world consequences.
- Over 3 in 5 respondents say they’ve created fake profiles.
- Men are 22% more likely than women to engage in behavior considered stalking online.
- Nearly 63% of Americans report having shared or posted false information.
The Behaviors Americans Admit to Doing Online Revealed
The internet is where we share baby photos, hunt for dank memes, and binge-watch nature documentaries, but it’s also where some of our darker impulses find space to roam. While we often discuss the dangers of online spaces, our survey reveals that many people not only witness negative behavior but also participate in it.
Topping the list: over 64% of respondents confessed to getting into heated arguments online. It starts with a casual scroll through a community thread, then suddenly escalates into a 20-comment back-and-forth over pineapple on pizza. Nearly the same percentage admitted to posting things anonymously that they’d never say under their real name — like ranting on a forum, leaving a passive-aggressive review, or joining in on gossip in a private group chat.
Even more surprisingly, nearly 62% admitted to having created fake profiles — whether to check in on someone without being seen or “catfish” for curiosity or mischief. Over half said they’ve shared false information, and some even confessed to using racial slurs or making sexist remarks.
We also found that men are 22% more likely to engage in behavior that could be considered stalking online than women. And while platforms like Facebook and Instagram are the most common stages for these behaviors, the motivations are often simple: a mix of boredom, anonymity, and the feeling that the screen offers a shield from consequences.
When the Internet Feels Consequence-Free, Harm Spreads
Behind every screen is a person, but online, that can be easy to forget. That sense of detachment can be dangerous, creating an environment where harmful behavior is more likely to flourish. And when people believe there are no stakes, the results speak volumes.
People who believed they wouldn’t face consequences for their online actions were much more likely to engage in harmful behaviors. Men, in particular, were 28% more likely to do so.
Nearly 70% said things anonymously they wouldn’t dare say out loud — whether venting about coworkers in a local forum, leaving a cutting review under a pseudonym, or jumping into online arguments with absolutely no filter. Joking threats, though dismissed by some as harmless, are also alarmingly common among this group, with almost 69% confessing to making them. This behavior might happen in a gaming chat or a late-night Twitter (or X) rant, but it contributes to a culture of fear and distrust.
Over two-thirds also confessed to sharing false information, often with a quick click, without any fact-checking, spreading a viral post that “felt true.” Other actions driven by this sense of immunity include creating fake profiles (68%), using racial slurs (62%), and sharing someone else’s personal information without their consent (58%).
When people believe no one’s watching or holding them accountable, the boundary between humor and harm becomes dangerously blurred.
Why Online Integrity Matters to Us At Manychat
At Manychat, we believe meaningful connections are built on trust, and trust can’t thrive in an environment where people feel their actions have no consequences. This data highlights a challenge we take seriously: when harmful behavior spreads, it damages the integrity of online conversations.
Our goal is to provide tools that promote respectful and authentic engagement. We’re committed to supporting a safer space where creators can grow their communities, audiences feel valued, and every interaction reflects the kind of internet we all want to be part of.
Methodology
We surveyed 974 people across the U.S. on their online behaviors. Given the self-reported nature of surveys, respondents may have biases and discrepancies between their answers and their actual experiences.
Fair Use Statement
Now that you see how people admit to behaving online, we’d love for you to share this data. All we ask is that you attribute Manychat for the data and link back to this page for full access to the findings!
