Technology writer Rupert Goodwins was an early user of internet message boards which he idealistically thought would bring the world closer together.
The truth hit him when he waded into a forum debating creationism and ended up being attacked by both sides.
He argues that the fundamental problem of incivility on the internet has never gone away - in fact it has got much, much worse.
Four Thought is a series of thought-provoking talks in which speakers air their thinking on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society in front of a live audience.
Presenter: Ben Hammersley
Producers: Mike Wendling and Smita Patel.