What is flame mail definition

Flame mail is a term used in online communities, particularly in the early days of the internet, to describe a type of email or message that is intentionally written to be inflammatory, abusive, or harassing.

The term "flame" refers to the idea that the message is so hot or intense that it can "burn" or damage the recipient's feelings or reputation. Flame mail is often characterized by its use of aggressive language, personal attacks, and inflammatory rhetoric.

Flame mail can take many forms, including:

  1. Personal attacks: Messages that target an individual's character, appearance, or personal life.
  2. Insults: Messages that use derogatory language or insults to belittle or demean the recipient.
  3. Harassment: Messages that are intended to intimidate, threaten, or bully the recipient.
  4. Trolling: Messages that are designed to provoke a reaction or elicit a strong emotional response from the recipient.

Flame mail is often used to describe messages that are sent in response to a perceived slight, disagreement, or controversy. However, it can also be used as a form of bullying or harassment, with the intention of causing harm or distress to the recipient.

In the early days of the internet, flame mail was a common problem in online communities, particularly in forums, chat rooms, and email lists. However, with the rise of social media and online etiquette guidelines, the prevalence of flame mail has decreased significantly. Nevertheless, it remains an important issue in online communication, and many online communities and platforms have implemented measures to prevent and address flame mail.