Over the past few years, I've become incredibly immersed with the dark side of the internet.

Saying offensive things and enjoying offensive things have become a normal thing for me.

Of course, this will not do. I don't want to be known as that guy that says all of those mean things, I want to be known as a good person.

I've had a massive change of heart over the last few months, and I have never even thought of it, but is there any way I could make myself think in a better light, or at least know when something I say is offensive?

Of course, I don't show it on here, but I'm a real jerk everywhere else, and I don't want that anymore.

Protip: stop being an a**h***.

Jokes aside, I have a bit of an issue with this as well, though not as extreme. We both go to the same parts of the internet: 4chan, Reddit, etc. I think it comes with the territory, honestly. You just have to keep an open mind and make a conscious effort to be a better person.

Well, if you want to make a change, you'll have to work for it.

My suggestions:

1.  Get off websites that offer the 'dark side of the internet' as you call it.

2.  Stop writing inflammatory comments and stop attacking people.

3.  Generally avoid the internet and go outside or try other activities that don't involve the computer.

4.  Volunteer or help coach little kids.  Learn to play with kindergardeners and first graders and you'll see some different views with life.

5.  Volunteer with old people.

6.  Get off the internet.

7.  Get off the internet.

Those should help you start to make a change in the world.  Donating your time to help others will help you too.

Good luck!.

Try to think how it would be like in the other person's shoes.

If you don't know if what you're saying is offensive, think of someone else saying what you said to you. If it makes you angry, or something, then it's probably offensive. Of course, I think a lot of it has to do with the type of people that are on that certain website 'the dark side of the internet' is on. It's probably the reason why you don't do it here, right?

I use Reddit, but not 4chan.  I am deeply offended by some of the stuff I see on there sometimes.  But the game trading community there is great!  You need to take care what sites you visit, and even what games you play, as they will have an effect on your personality.  I know you like GTA, but I really suggest that you no longer play it.  M-rated games are okay if you are busy doing good in those games (AKA saving people, etc.).  They are bad when you are busy doing bad (AKA murdering, sex, etc.).  Pay attention to how a game makes you feel.  If you feel angry or like being a jerk while playing a certain game, get rid of that game!  I know you can't do this on Steam, but you can for physical copies of games.  Games such as Call of Duty and Super Smash Bros. can be okay, but be careful when playing those sorts of games.  Make sure that a bit of good fun and competition never escalates into anger or hate.  Even LEGO games can lead to overzealousness, such as shouting DIE! DIE! at your enemies again and again.  If your reluctant to let go of action and excitement in your video games, I suggest Professor Layton (if you have a DS or 3DS).  The dude is a boss of goodness, and playing games in that series will certainly help shape you into a better person.  Also, games such as Mario Kart and Sonic and All-Stars Racing can be fun, light-hearted ways to make and keep friends.

Bah who cares it's the internet do whatever you please, just don't be an ass in real life and you'll be fine

Huh. I've never known this side of you, actually.  I'm not sure I can offer any better advice than what was already given you, but I'd like to say I'm pretty proud of you for admitting it.

On top of everyone else's ideas, maybe one thing you can attempt, is to force yourself to do or say something nice every day.  Even if it seems awkward and uncomfortable, stepping out of your comfort zone to do so might just help you be more conscious of when you do the opposite.

A user of this :
supernerd117 :

"You should stop playing M rated games"
You were saying?

Rasenganfan2 : I wasn't saying that at all.  I was saying that one should pay attention to how a game makes them feel.  If it makes them feel bad or guilty, they should get rid of it!  I strongly feel that GTA, Mafia, Yakuza, etc. are inappropriate gaming series.  I refuse to play these games because I know that if I play them, I will become angry and less rational.  I hold no love for any gaming series built upon acts of hatred and foolishness.

supernerd117 : sorry, I took it the wrong way. I agree with paying attention to how a game makes you feel, it's just like music. If it makes me feel bad, I'll have no part of it. The only games that made me feel bad were 2 of my favorites: Fallout 3 and New Vegas. Being the villian felt freaking awful

I havent gone to the websites in a long while, Reddit isnt that bad in moderation, it all depends on what you see.

I also don't think modifying my gaming will help any, as I don't play to be a jerk, I just play to examine and enjoy. I already play E rated games, but M rated gamed really make no difference to me. I recently played through inFAMOUS and I couldnt bear to do an evil act, so it's not that.

My issue is that, when I'm in public, I tend to say things, sometimes out of the blue, sometimes when I catch onto an obscure racist comment, and I just manage to say obscene things that people are shocked to hear.

In the games I play, I like to see a hero, somebody actually wanted or respectable, yet I don't know how to do it myself.

Rasenganfan2 : I didn't mean it like that. He's having trouble with cussing and stuff. He isn't violent. In fact, one of my favorite games is M rated. I'm just advising him to probably tone it down a bit since he's having trouble, and was feeling guilty about them.

I think Matthew 15:18 applies to your situation. "But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person." I mean, not everyone believes what the Bible says. Think about this though, it's true. If you are often around people who cuss openly, then you'll be more likely to cuss. If you hang out with drug dealers, you could easily get into drugs. If you're being a jerk to people, chances are something you're doing is influencing your heart (i.e. your feelings on a subject) to think that it's ok or it's not a big deal. After a bit, it becomes habitual. It'll take work, but don't all good things?

Um I don't know if, I can give you the advice that you need. To hear Alex but, I will try to help you, anyway that I can...whatever the dark side of things you like to see....block your mind from them. Do something else, to reflect it in a way....and Alex, I never see you as a jerk ok? Is that...part if the reason, when I tried to talk to you on the chat. That you were afraid to say something that might hurt me? Take off anything that is dark that you like to see....either go out as the others say or....look at something else, to help you better as a person. Or watch something else. You can improve I believe you can but, it only takes simple steps to do this. And if it helps....maybe write down goals that you want to help. Improve as a person and work hard for it to come true....and also...always...and I mean always think about what you say. Your lips sometimes will come off on its own. But if you think about what you say, before speaking the offensive words will not come out. Try in any possible way to better yourself Alex. We are all here for you. And....I don't know if this will help either....always think positive when you can. ^-^

I agree with Light Knight and mrfe. Spend time with positive people and they will have a positive influence on you.

Come Back to the Force and avoid the Dark side. 

Nah Seriously, if your trying to become something that your not then don't go there. People can tell when your trying to go there. 

Involve yourself with people you trust and can depend on and avoid negative conversations, only you can take so much negativity

Learn to Laugh at yourself also, seems a lot of people have a little trouble in that area. Its not that hard, I laugh at myself everyday and for the craziest things. 

Avoid the Dark Sites as you call them, its only gonna bring you down to that level. Its not worth it. 

Hope This Helps

Here is a verse that gets me through everyday, its my life verse- 1 John 3:16-18.