Twenty years ago I was part of a largish internet community. Core membership, myself included, was about twenty. Others who dropped in now and again brought the total to forty/fifty. We didn't just post on the forum: we used PM, email, instant chat; we phoned each other, texted sometimes, and even held international meets.
We all felt warm, cosy, supportive. A few people had problems, of course - who doesn't? But as I got to know them better, I realised that just about every one of them had problems. Even the ones who seemed the most assured, confident, successful. I had no problems at all, of course...
Except that I did. Big ones, that no amount of staring at a screen and typing on a keyboard would cure. I made the decision to taper off, and started to be part of the real world again.
Moral of the story? The internet is a vast place. Everyone wants to find their own corner of it, where they're valued, appreciated. Of course they do. But it's a lot better for your mental health if you can go into situations where you find yourself challenged and still keep your head. Better still, situations which make you question your own assumptions. That's how you learn and grow.
BBR, there's no point in getting angry or trying to get even. Tell yourself that these people aren't as bright as you are, and that you'll be proven right eventually. Meanwhile, go outside and check the weather. Smile, and watch the smiles coming back at you.
