Thanks to the anonymity of the Internet, I have found myself saying things I wouldn't dare say in person, but those times are in the minority. Actually, having had intelligent conversations with people via the internet, I've become good friends with people whose views I strongly disagree with, and that has made me a more open-minded, accepting person. At the same time, it made me feel more comfortable with my own views, and the reasoning behind them.
Seriously, I've never considered flame wars to have much entertainment value. I find that I am more civil online, because there are far fewer nonverbal cues to turn a cutting remark into a jest.
Though I do think the internet has made me a jerk. I tend to give more flippant answers than I would in real life. Though I do tend to try and help people out more.