Amy Bartner

amy.bartner@indystar.com

What would the Internet be like if everyone behaved online as they do in real life? If the bravery to be a digital jerk disappeared and we treated others as we'd treat strangers in real life? (Yes, we know there are real-life jerks, too).

So we're going to stop asking "what if" -- and do something about it.

And we're asking you to join us. Please help us #ShareTheLove online during the week of Feb. 9 through Feb. 15.

Who knows when trolls first surfaced. Most likely, they arrived around to the time humans created the Internet. Right after they discovered anonymous hate online was an outlet without repercussions.

You know them when you see them: The "who cares?" guy. The person who personally attacks your appearance after you share something on Facebook they don't like. They're people you know. They're people you kinda know. They're complete strangers.

And then there are the comments on IndyStar.com. Not all, of course, but the loudest voices often are the most negative.

Whenever IndyStar staffers ask friends, family or any reader what they'd like to see us improve the most, the answer inevitably comes back: "The comments on IndyStar.com."

We often debate the need for hosting a space for comments at all. Columnist Leslie Bailey wrote about it last year. Ultimately, part of IndyStar's role in the community is to give you, our readers, the information you need to live intelligently in a democratic society. It's important that we provide a public venue for intelligent discourse -- which, yes, as we all know, frequently doesn't happen.

We eliminated anonymous commenting about three years ago and implemented a Facebook interface. Now, instead of anonymously hiding behind their comments, many simply own their virtual vitriol.

And here's the thing: It isn't virtual. It's as real as if the two people talking were physically standing in front of one another.

The Internet is real life. And it's time we start acting that way. We need your help!

Here are a few ways you can #ShareTheLove online this week:

1. Save the "Be A Star" image to your computer and change your social profile photos to show your support for Internet civility.

2. Diffuse one unkind person today. Go to the comments on any story on IndyStar.com, or on social media -- or anywhere online -- and give someone a compliment. Tell them you love their hair in their profile photo. Or that you wish they have a wonderful day. Or, simply, tell them to #ShareTheLove. Celebrate the love while diffusing the hate.

3. Tell someone online -- a stranger or otherwise -- that you appreciate how kind they are on the Internet by sharing one of these "Love For All Webkind" Valentines.

4. #ShareTheLove with US. Go to our Facebook page and tell us something amazing going on in your life. Or Tweet to us using #ShareTheLove. We want to hear your stories.

It's going to take a major culture change for the digital world to be a kinder place -- so it's up to everyone to make that change. And who knows? Maybe this week becomes a month, a year and a revolution.

#ShareTheLove!

Love,

IndyStar Staff