Luna 0 #26 December 15, 2004 QuoteWhat's the point of trying to be a different person in different circumstances? I don't think it's a matter of "trying" to be different. For example, take someone who gossips and talks about other people when they aren't around...be it co-workers talking about the one co-worker who drives everyone crazy, or whatever the case may be. They aren't likely to say those things to their face, are they? But, if they are online and it's someone that they have never met face to face, they would be more likely (in my opinion) to say to them the type of things that they only say behind the back of people they know in real life. Basically, I think it's a comfort level. In my case, I'm more comfortable and able to be myself either with people I know really well, or with very small groups of people, say 1-3 other people. So, in a group of people I've just met, I'm going to be very quiet and standoffish, especially if it's a large group. That's not who I really am, but it isn't like I'm trying to be a different person in those instances. It's just comfort. Online, I think people are very comfortable letting their true self show, because of the relative anonymity factor. But more to my real point, people who are a-holes online and then say that's not who they are in person, or other people may meet them and say that's not who they really are...I have to wonder then, where is that coming from? It has to come from somewhere. And my belief is that if you are that way online, then that does exist somewhere inside of you. You may put on a really nice face for people in real life for any number of reasons, but mostly, I think, coming down to comfort level. In real life, most people have some level of fear of being judged, most people have some level of pressure to fit in and be liked, to not upset people, etc. Some level. Online, most of that seems to evaporate, so the filters that we use in real life are gone, and so, I believe, how we are online is more of a reflection of our true, core self. For many people, there is no real difference. Others...not so much. Again, this is just my theory after spending so many years online...does anyone have other ideas on it? Do you really think that you can be an a-hole online if you truly do not have an ounce of that in you? (I'm really not trying to judge anyone or pick on anyone...behavior just fascinates me, so I'm just curious about things like this) I'm walking a marathon to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Click Here for more information! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Girlfalldown 0 #27 December 15, 2004 Yes! You can't take anything I say in real life seriously either. -------------- (Do not, I repeat DO NOT, take my posts seriously.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #28 December 15, 2004 QuoteYes! You can't take anything I say in real life seriously either. So when you said you loved me, it wasn't true? ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Girlfalldown 0 #29 December 15, 2004 QuoteQuoteYes! You can't take anything I say in real life seriously either. So when you said you loved me, it wasn't true? Yes it was. -------------- (Do not, I repeat DO NOT, take my posts seriously.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #30 December 15, 2004 QuoteI haven't had the chance to meet Ron, but I think I'm in love with him. Sweet!!!! I started skydiving for the chicks and the money...At least part of it is true. And no, I don't think people are the same. Most who have met me realize that most times I am being a smart ass in jest. Also people tend to be more gregarious online. I have found that when I avoided TB like a bad case of the crabs, that more people thought I was an ass in the other forums. If I came in here every once and a while and mentioned boobies, or told a funny story, the less shit I got in the other forums. I tried to be serious on here and just deal with issues, but I found that most on here will not listen unless they *like* you first. Not the best way to get information, but I guess part of human nature. Oh yeah Boobies!!!!! I gotta go."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slug 1 #31 December 15, 2004 Boobie's rock!Damn did i say that? IMO Some people change their persona depending on the conditions: Driving: LOL finger, road rage Booze: Nasty drunk or happy Mob mentality OTOH when people drift from forum to forum and can't adapt to the vibs it makes a peson wonder whats going on. Back to Boobies R.I.P. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveb 1 #32 December 15, 2004 On the internet, nobody knows you're a dog. I had a bang-path address one hop from ihnp4 (used to be a status symbol of some sort for some reason), which shows that I've been "online" at least as long as 17 years, and actually for some time before that. While I cannot contradict your personal experiences, I have not found your view ["you are as you post"] prevalent. The problem with online conversations in general (as there are always special exceptions, and dropzone.com is actually one of them) is that of anonymity, and poor communication. The written word is a poor substitute for actual conversation, and misses some of the most important non-vocal cues we use to relate. Further, since the poster in many cases is anonymous, the fear of rejection or reprisal is reduced, and inhibitions are lowered. And unlike face-to-face conversations, there is plenty of time to think about a response, and even retract and rephrase a thought to convey an entirely different message. Combined, this allows one to represent a different persona than Real Life for any number of reasons (see links below). There is likely some truth to the contention you cannot pretend to be something alien to yourself. Even actors dig within themselves to find some parcel of common ground with their character. But. The connection is tenuous at best. Are the people that play fragging games and post online about wholesale slaughter really repressed homicidal maniacs, deep down? Are all those that pretend to be intellectual reflecting reality? It is much easier to pretend something that you are not when the only evidence is what you post anonymously to rec.sex.skydiving. The above is my take. Here are a few links to studies done by academics and professionals with a serious interest in the online phenomena of personality expression. Personality and Internet Usage Internet as Research Context, scroll to "Internet as Way of Being" Personality Addication Traits Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #33 December 15, 2004 QuoteI tried to be serious on here and just deal with issues, but I found that most on here will not listen unless they *like* you first. Not the best way to get information, but I guess part of human nature. I'd like you more if you were ever in Z-hills when I was in town and I could collect my damn beer! Performance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #34 December 15, 2004 Honestly...I would have to answer 'somewhat'. I find on dz.com that I am a little more self conscious due to my jump numbers and the fact I haven't gotten into the social circle yet. I still feel like the person looking in from the outside. So, I am actually more reserved here. Also, I believe online is 2 dimensional whereas in person is 3 dimensional. You miss a lot of a person online. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #35 December 15, 2004 QuoteI'd like you more if you were ever in Z-hills when I was in town and I could collect my damn beer! Is it my fault you live in a different state? Nope I'll be there for the boogie, come and get me."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #36 December 15, 2004 The way I see it, the Internet is like women wearing makeup, you'll never see their true face. __________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #37 December 15, 2004 QuoteThe way I see it, the Internet is like women wearing makeup, you'll never see their true face. When your analogies start to include "the internet = women", you need to pull that power cord. I must be different in person because people treat me better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobsled92 0 #38 December 15, 2004 I'm more considerate, deep, soulful & caring in REAL life than I am here. I just figure people don't want to hear some GUY here at DZ.com, that's in touch with his true feelings. So, I act more like a Celtic rouge here._______________________________ If I could be a Super Hero, I chose to be: "GRANT-A-CLAUS". and work 365 days a Year. http://www.hangout.no/speednews/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #39 December 15, 2004 QuoteI find on dz.com that I am a little more self conscious due to my jump numbers and the fact I haven't gotten into the social circle yet. I still feel like the person looking in from the outside. So, I am actually more reserved here. I agree. You're a lot more rowdy in person. I am as likely to ignore a person here as I am in "real life," and I write the same way in "real life," and I have the tendency to say what I think not really caring what someone thinks of me both here and there. I can be evil and nice, in real life and on-line. I'm me, where-ever I am, whatever I do, and whomever I'm with. And I've discovered that there are people who'll take you for all you've got, both on-line and in real life, both financially and emotionally. So it's life. Am I more able to be who "I am" on line? Nope. I don't see the same barriers in my world as others seem to, so I've not felt that sort of issue; I'm who I am here and "in real life". But do I know some people who come across one way on line, and are really not that way "in real life"? Absolutely. But Chris, you rock anyway . (And I owe you a pm; I've been so busy at work and at home I've not replied to several folks, you included. Sorry....) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #40 December 15, 2004 Michele, Was that whole post addressed to me or people in general. I'm a little confused...as always. BTW, when you met me, my brain was beginning to swell....literally. On that trip, I knew something was wrong and I was so frustrated because I felt my true personality was not coming across. Little did I know what was coming for me. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
girlygirl 0 #41 December 15, 2004 No. I am very, very shy in person on a one-on-one basis usually. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #42 December 15, 2004 QuoteBTW, when you met me, my brain was beginning to swell....literally So, are you blaming your rowdiness on your head injury? 'Cause I found you more energetic, and more "rowdy" in person (rowdy, to me, is a good thing...) in person than I see on-line. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #43 December 15, 2004 I just want to say that if that is you in your avatar, you have no reason whatsoever to be shy.Not that I'm shallow or anything. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #44 December 15, 2004 QuoteBTW, when you met me, my brain was beginning to swell....literally -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So, are you blaming your rowdiness on your head injury? 'Cause I found you more energetic, and more "rowdy" in person (rowdy, to me, is a good thing...) in person than I see on-line. No. Maybe what I was feeling was not as evident as I thought. I really felt like I couldn't keep up with you or Michael in conversation, which is not like me. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slappie 9 #45 December 15, 2004 I'm pretty much the same person here as I am on the streets. I've been doing the online thing since early 96` run the gamut of chats and forums. At first I was really closed and hid alot. Hell I still hide behind the computer screen sometimes. But for the most part this is me. "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #46 December 15, 2004 mostly yes... although perhaps i'm more argumentative here (online) than in person... in person i'm usually focused on something else... what ever the reason/person i'm there for.. online... particularly in the SC the point is debate and discussion... you wont find me bringing up most things i person that we talk about in the SC, as there is (usually) something far better to be doing instead.... also tone and sarcasm do not come across as well in text only formats as they do in real discussions, so on occasion things here are taken in a manner that would not happen in real life do to sublties in body/facial expression....____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blitzkrieg 0 #47 December 15, 2004 i agree, my sarcasm and dark sense of humor can't always be "heard" online... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #48 December 15, 2004 Actually, I'm an asshole in real life too.Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #49 December 15, 2004 QuoteDoes your online persona reflect who you really are? Yep, I'm a loud mouthed opinionated asshole in real life too. Ask anyone.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #50 December 15, 2004 Bingo Wendy.... I tend to look at the online personas as a truer look into peoples inner workings. As many who have met me.. I am pretty much what you see is what you get. I am old and decrepit.. complex but fun loving. If I think someone is a Chickenshit Chicken Hawk.. I will express that in real life. And man are there a bunch of them out there. Edited due to dyslexic fingers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
