The state, by definition, is the group that has the monopoly on the use of force. If I see a crime taking place, after deciding whether it is appropriate or not for me to intervene, my next step is to contact the state. I trust the state to take corrective measures: arresting the person, perhaps imprisoning them, perhaps killing them. I also trust them to use force (sometimes lethal force) in maintaining social order.
But on the net, I am only limited by my degree of outrage. Somebody does something stupid -- then each additional commenter takes it on themselves to "up the ante" and make the stupid person pay.
Right now we're just ruining people's lives (!). But as we start seeing these lynch mobs physically start acting out, then the state will no longer have the monopoly on force. Whether or not that's an existential question depends on your comfort level with chaos, I imagine. Whatever your personal view, the state as we know it in many cases will no longer exist.
But on the net, I am only limited by my degree of outrage. Somebody does something stupid -- then each additional commenter takes it on themselves to "up the ante" and make the stupid person pay.
Right now we're just ruining people's lives (!). But as we start seeing these lynch mobs physically start acting out, then the state will no longer have the monopoly on force. Whether or not that's an existential question depends on your comfort level with chaos, I imagine. Whatever your personal view, the state as we know it in many cases will no longer exist.