Beware. The gang mentality is as ugly on social media as it is in real life.

Shunning was a death sentence in the old days when people relied on each other for survival. Back then, just the threat of shunning kept people in line, obedient and submissive. All too often, people survived by submitting to inhumane, immoral, and violent abuse, then turned around and abused other people.

In high school, clubs, cliques and gangs were “insider” groups, small enough for one person to dominate and control. Once kids got into these groups, getting out was so hard to do, most kids couldn’t do it, and submission became their way of life. These “gangs” and the mentality that sustains them, exist up and down the social ladder, including Ivy League fraternities and sororities, political parties, criminal organizations, and religious groups.

There is a difference between building a following – and leading. Writers who are building gangs on Medium use blocking to protect their turf. Like it or not, that is gang mentality.

And gang mentality is all about dominance. Writer’s demonstrate their power, by making sure their followers know that someone stepped out of line and was blocked. In turn, followers are afraid to challenge writers for fear of getting blocked.

I’ve pissed off, even offended, some of my favorite Medium writers and they have replied accordingly – but they did not block me. I think the reason is that these writers are thinking people, deeply and passionately concerned about society and the people in it. Not only do they have the courage of their convictions they possess the maturity and strength of mind to stand alone.