I used to see that a lot on the other site I was a Mod on. No, I don't trust them one bit and I always got upset when grown adults played kids games with each other. I can't understand for the life of me why people want you to side with them on a website. I'm so glad to not have to see that stuff anymore. You're right young lady! The games people will play!
HUman nature I am afraid.. wouldn't dream of it myself of course :P But yes we are a species prone to seek approval and fitting in.. we all want to make ourselves look good in the eyes of others..
I had an example or two this week...
1) some students came to talk to me in the break.. i answered their questions and sent them on their way.. seems they elected not to go straight to class and were therefore 20 mins late.. THEY said, that *I* had kept them talking.. nope.. but you can see why they said it.. to avoid getting in trouble.. pass the buck.. Just mega unfortunate that the deputy principle was in the class that night..
2) After checking with the specialist I booked some students in for an assessment.. the specialist forgot. and realised she wasn't working that day.. so she asked the deputy principle if she could be paid extra to come in... saying to him that *I* had booked them in... hinting, because it's more favourable to her... that *I* booked them in without asking her..
That's people for ya.. few will admit when they are wrong and many will seek to blame others so they avoid blame and continue to look good..
THat said.. I know many people these days are weak.. but I still believe most people are good at heart.