Vigilantism is dangerous because it feeds on visceral rage and because it comes with few safeguards. Rage is a powerful tool for activism, but not a very good one for justice. Group rage, in particular, heats quickly and perpetuates itself; and it's difficult to cool. It's also difficult to control, especially when there are a great many anonymous actors in play who are only loosely accountable to each other and certainly aren't answering to anyone else.
Unchecked authority is a dangerous thing, and we should always be wary of powerful actors whose actions are largely unfettered by oversight or accountability...Jill Filipovic/Guardian 18/Nov/13
