Thanks, but I seldom consult with psychiatrists or self-help gurus before deciding to laugh at something or make a joke. If I enjoy a sarcastic sense of humor and someone else doesn't (or worse yet, takes actual offense to sarcasm when it wasn't directed at them) then that person and I wouldn't have had any possible future together anyway, and my joke about millennials just saved us both a couple pointless months or even years of dating. The better advice would be to be yourself, because if the only reason you're pretending to be Mr. UpWithPeopleShootingRainbowsOutMyAss is so you can get some pussy, you're underestimating the intelligence of the women you're aiming to dupe, you'll be found out in the long run anyway once your mask slips, and even if that doesn't happen you'll be in a relationship with someone who wouldn't accept the real you anyway. So, to paraphrase the worst movie ever to be barfed onto the silver screen, "amazing....every word you just said was wrong"

Because many men believe bullying is a sign of strength. (just look at the president)
Taunting and jeering others, for some reason, makes you poplar when you're a teenager. Idiots who never grow up never grow out of it.

Wow, this has to be one of the more popular posts I've seen around here in awhile. 82 comments and counting after about a day.

I agree in principle with those who point out that sarcasm is more nuanced than just thinly disguised hostility. It can be an important component in humor and need not be caustic.

However, WRT the young, I have observed that Millenials and those younger seem quite "civilly challenged" if you will. For example, they regularly shut down even their "friends" with ejaculations such as an emphatic "Shut Uuuuup!" I noticed this shift when I met my present wife and her two children who were then 15 and 16. My own kids had been out of the nest for a few years (no my wife isn't younger, I just had an earlier start), and I was rather shocked by this kind of banter between them and their friends. Some of this is standard-issue generational shock at the way social signaling has shifted since "my" day, but I think some of it is an unfortunate side effect of social media, which my kids just missed in their HS careers.

Whatever the reason, today's young people seem to lack even the limited social graces that my generation had, and it's no surprise that they are largely unaware that being crass and unkind to each other, even in alleged "jest", is detrimental to their relationships. They need to dial it down about three notches and strive to be kind and considerate. At this point I think it would be hard for them to overcompensate in that regard.

I agreed with some articles that say that by being sarcastic we can hide from the world and discuss all the issues from a (false) position of superiority like we are many steps ahead of the other person.
This is literally high performance insecurity.

Ah, checking out the young guys, you cougar!

My first choice is irony, second to be sardonic, sarcasm least preferred because by definition it is meant to hurt, while being ironic or sardonic is more akin to dry humor.

My sarcasm is designed to draw laughter. I will not hesitate to use myself as the target.

My reaction to any man on who is snarky, insulting, or sarcastic is to block/delete them and never contact them again. I don't want those types of people in my life.

If all women deleted or blocked rude men, men would be forced to alter their behavior and be more respectful if they want to date.

Now, friends, who are being snarky about Trump, or other ludicrous situations are a different matter, LOL

I partially disagree with the doctor's blanket opinion. Sarcasm may be "hostility disguised as humor," but stand-ups have been successfully sarcastic since forever. I think where sarcasm can be harmful is if YOU are the intended target. If these guys on POF are just being sarcastic assholes and directing sarcasm at women on the site, they deserve whatever they get.

I think it's for no other reason than it's a cheap laugh usually at someone else's expense. But it doesn't have to be. I use it but I know how and when to use it and it isn't used as a put down, it's about timing and knowing your audience. I use it about myself, I can laugh at myself and be sarcastic about myself but I wouldn't do it spitefully to someone else

Sarcasm has its place amongst friends. Definitely not with strangers. I myself prefer satire, but not many of my peers know the difference. Sarcasm is too personal at times, while satire is appropriate when lampooning larger issues and inequalities.

They have been convinced that saracsm , underlying nastiness is a form of banter . Real banter is fun and good humoured but for some reason these days it is mainly used to'insult and belittle ......just a hypothesis of mine

I don't think it's just young men, or women that do it.
I love sarcasm, and satire, when it's done right.

Lovin' that sarcasm!

So here, David Wolfe presents the positives of sarcasm (I say without a trace of sarcasm)
[davidwolfe.com]

Ahhh, the ways words' meanings change.

I really appreciate you posting a definition of the word sarcasm. so often people argue for no reason, simply because without knowing so, they have different definitions for a certain term

If you consider a lot of things that most young men are thinking that's a minor problem.

They are on the "spectrum" ie Aspergers. Or they are just jerks.

Many confuse satiric wit with sarcasm. One is meant to sting an entire class or concept, while the other attacks an individual.

I've been on several dating apps for approximately 7yrs and I can tell you it's not just younger men.. women from their 20's to 50's think the same way.. if you find someone that's about character and integrity, snatch them up.. yes I've been single for 7yrs.. ?

Sarcasm is a shield young men (and women) who are insecure hide behind.

I’ll leave it to the master to explain! lol

I don’t feel this is isolated to only young men. I enjoy sarcasm. As well, PoF is a cess pool.

For young men sarcastic humor is like a competition with other men to see who has the sharpest wit. From what I remember from my younger days it was a bit of a macho thing.