The anarchy on the streets of the UK last week was matched in part by the irresponsible anarchy on various social networking internet forums.

We were shocked as we sat in the office last Tuesday by the constant stream of messages that a riot on the streets of High Wycombe was imminent.

My colleagues and I received several calls, all from well-meaning citizens, that there would be trouble at around 4pm. Other people were told stores had been attacked and fires were raging.

The source of all of this was the social message boards on the web and mobile phone networks.

I have no idea if it was the work of troublemakers or if Chinese whispers spiralled out of control, but the effect was terrifying.

It was ironic, because in last week’s column I defended the internet chat forums and told how they had improved our democracy.

We all know they can be vicious and mean at times, but on the whole they do a good job at holding people to account.

However, as I warned last week, there could come a time when the authorities step in and ruin these sites.

My words were more prophetic than I could have imagined because we now learn this week the Government is exploring whether to turn off social networks or stop people texting during times of social unrest.

This would be a sad day for free speech but the politicians do have a serious case here.

I’ve been a journalist for nigh on 30 years and do take care about what I say and try to be responsible.

Last Tuesday, we had many earnest debates about how much we should carry on the riots on our own website.

Nothing had happened yet in Wycombe or south Bucks, so we argued the toss over whether we should report the lack of activity or say nothing at all.

If we flagged up the fact no one had rioted, then we could provoke some idiots to go out and prove us wrong.

But if we said nothing, then we could be criticised by a worried public for not keeping them in the picture.

In the end, we did a muted story about the non-riot, and hoped this wouldn’t tempt fate.

Imagine our shock then when we found just about everyone else in town was declaring High Wycombe was virtually a war zone.

The police acted well and kept up a constant twitter feed on the internet to keep the public informed. But still the rumours and fear persisted.

Ironically, when I ventured into town that evening it was happily the quietest and dullest scene imaginable – but that’s probably because people were too scared to go out.

I’m not saying people shouldn’t comment on web forums and speculate about important issues. But it is high time the public began to show some responsibility.

People go online, hit the keyboard and suddenly become maniacs.

It’s the PC version of road rage. They think they can say anything, do anything and that they are immune from any action.

Many are shocked when they find out they can be sued or prosecuted, and their details are easily traceable through their internet provider.

They believe their anonymity protects them, but it doesn’t. Just take the recent case of the Facebook juror jailed for her conduct on the internet during a trial.

The law and the powers-that-be haven’t quite caught up with the worldwide web yet, but don’t be surprised to see loads more cases of legal action and draconian clampdowns in the future.

All I’d say to readers is carry on enjoying the internet and feel free to comment on various forums.

Just use some common-sense, though, and think before you post an ill-advised comment that could lead to you landing yourself in hot water.

Don’t make any serious factual allegation you can’t back-up, because it could prove your undoing.

Don’t believe me? Just watch this space over the next little while because I believe the net is closing around the internet.