Toxic People and Fans

Some days ago, I brought up some of the problems that might plague certain Pokémon fans. All the problems are worrying to some extent, and one of them even prompted the reminder of a song that has links to Pokémon. Now I'd like to discuss another of those problems, specifically the second one, but in a different light. Those familiar with social interactions in this modern day and age will most likely recognize the term "toxic" as it applies to people; unfortunately, "people" also includes certain Pokémon fans, and this becomes something that makes up the second problem.

A Pokémon frame of mind might provide some aid in understanding the issue. There is a well-known move in the main series games that many Pokémon know and becomes essential in that regard. It goes by the same name, "Toxic". When the move is executed, opposing Pokémon become (Badly) Poisoned (they gain this status condition), but the poisoning becomes progressively worse, costing more and more HP each time until the Pokémon faints or the status condition is dealt with and eliminated. The effects in battle may be limited to the Pokémon involved, but when people are involved, it becomes an almost entirely different matter.

For people, while HP isn't involved, morale definitely is, and "toxic" people would cause a reduction in morale just as the Toxic move would cause a reduction in HP after the status condition has been inflicted. As well, while in battle only the Pokémon involved are really affected by the move, "toxic" people may have far-reaching effects than just one person or a group of people to others. The point of "toxicity" is that there is a negativity that is involved: if a person causes someone else to feel worse each time interactions occur, then that person can be said to be "toxic". This is even more so if repeated interactions only increase the negativity further, as with the status condition in the games.

Unfortunately, that is what the overconfidence, boastfulness, and pompousness of the problematic people result in, as I've expressed in the other post. It's something that I recognize about them as I continue to meet with the people in question, and it's something that others recognize as well. They don't seem to recognize the potential effects on others, however, and far worse still, some of them have recognized themselves in their condition, and they seem to make little effort to change. No wonder why I and my friend decided not to join a few of them even when given the chance, and splitting has continued to occur.

For Pokémon - as in the species - the problem of Toxic may turn out to be a serious one, especially if it becomes unavoidable and/or cannot be mitigated. For people and Pokémon fans, the problem of "toxic" is always serious, as it can cause relationships to deteriorate (which in fact it has, by experience). It's a problem that people ought to recognize and prevent the spread of, lest it worsens oneself and others around. I can only hope that we can find the Antidote to cure ourselves or others of the poisoning that may have or has occurred before the status condition worsens itself for everyone concerned.

One year ago: Interpretative Soundtracks
Two years ago: Father Figure?
Three years ago: Tonight, We Honor the Hero