I could not agree more. Just because the threat is unlikely to be carried out doesn't mean, to your earlier point, that it doesn't leave a mark. There's a pretty large segment of people online who believe the internet isn't "real"; therefore, insults online shouldn't be taken to heart. Many studies have shown that to be much easier said than done.

The other day, I came across this disturbing video on Twitter in which a male gamer threatens sexual violence toward a female gamer. She posted the exchange, which was then reposted by a guy who insisted it wasn't a big deal because the "internet isn't real, people." Predictably, he went on to accuse her of "sympathy farming."

Online interactions may not be physical, but they're real. Words can cut.