Internet Tough Guy

An Internet Tough Guy is anyone who posts flames, insults or threats on a regular basis on the Internet.

An Internet Tough Guy is usually a person who suffers from emotional problems and low self-esteem. They can act tough and vent their emotional distress towards others at a distance while believing themselves safe from retaliation. Many but not all hide behind a pseudonym while keeping their true identity secret. Some ITCs also send emails that flame, insult or threaten. Parts of the United States are considering laws against the practice after a 13-year-old committed suicide after being persistently harassed by Internet Tough Guys.