For that class of fan, unfortunately, it is necessary; it's all they know. You'd think adults would be able to express differing ideas and expectations in a more mature manner.
When I come home from a day of teaching and wondering where the current generations gets its constant negativity, rancor, and inability to communicate in an effective and relational way, I stop by here or Topix and realize exactly what it is I'm fighting to save them from. Just because one can spew inarticulate vitriol anonymously with a public audience to feed their need for catharsis doesn't mean one should spew inarticulate vitriol at all.