We used to have a society where the adage was "if you don't have something nice to say about someone, best say nothing at all". You only have to read MM to realise those days are long gone and as for Twitter, Facebook...etc
Years ago we didnt have platforms like MM to air our views publicly. Your comment was only heard by your family or the bloke youre boozing with down the pub.
People may have been airing their views but no one really knew.