I have done both, depending on the situation and persons involved, even in disregard of possibly incurring a blackened eye for doing so.
In other words, is it rude for a rudee to rerudicate to the rudist (and by 'rudist', I do not mean the marine heterodont bivalve)?
For instance (which this really annoys me), you're with someone in the physical world, conversing, and all the while they are continually checking their phone and texting, should you-
a. Simply wait for them to stop
b. Continue talking regardless to whether they are paying attention or not
c. Raise your hand while you exageratingly clear your throat so they notice you are still there
d. Take out your phone and do the same
e. Leave quietly without commenting (they may not even notice you've gone)
f. Speak loudly and clearly that you have better things to do than waste your time with someone who apparently finds your company and conversation boring.
I generally go with 'e' , but will make some excusable before leaving, like 'I have to catch a train' or 'I forgot to feed my hamster'.
It's kind of the same with internet interaction. You'll be privately conversing with someone while they converse with multiple others at the same time (or are in a chat room), while you wait patiently for a response to something you've asked. Which is fine, except when they answer you with something that was meant in response to someone else, by mistake.
Do you
a. Politely say you don't wish to distract them so will continue the conversation at a more convenient time
b. Leave without an explanation (they may not even notice you've gone)
c. Join the same chat room, if that is the case
d. Continue to converse, ignoring any time lapses
e. Go do something else at the same time and get back to them when it's convenient for you
e. Respond by typing that you have better things to do than spend your time with someone who apparently finds your company and conversation boring
In this case, I generally respond with 'a', 'polite' being the key word.
I'm not one for chat rooms, I'm basically shy when it comes to personal interaction of any kind, virtual or not, and will nervously stammer something inane or irrelevant unless I know the person or persons very well and feel at ease in their company. Even then I sometimes tend to say things that may seem irrelevant though they are not, I just take it for granted that, in knowing me, they understand the association. Or not. Then we both just smile and nod anyway. :) *nodding*
It's all about rudimentary politeness. The proper thing to do in both cases might be to say 'can you excuse me for a few moments while I do/take this?'
In conclusion, at least on the internet no one can punch you in your eye regardless of your response.