Your Online Alterego

GorillaEsq

Are you different "online" versus "real life?"

I've been online since the Internet became deregulated in 1994, and we used tin cans to hook-up to modems. My practice centers around Internet, computer technology, intellectual property, et al. I'm basically a computer nerd with a law degree (which makes me a nerd squared I think, mathematically speaking).

In short, I'm very "online."

There are some people who might say my "online persona" is a bit "intense." They'd use other words, but the Community Guidelines on this particular site forbids such types of free-expression, so we'll leave it at "intense." (Feel free to email me with your actually descriptors... most of my haters already do... it amuses me to no end.)

When individuals meet me in person, who only knew me from online forums, the media, advertisements, seminars, etc, their initial response is always the same... basically, "Holy crap, you are exactly the same in real life as you appear to be online (or in the media)."

...And some don't say that as a "compliment."

I find this interesting, because I always considered my "online" persona to be less "intense" than my "real life" persona. Apparently, it is not.

Thus the questions and topic of discussion...

- Are you different online vs offline?
- Are other people you've met different from one platform to the other?
- If there is a difference in persona for you and/or others, why is that?
- Is anonymity the root of all evil on the Internet?


Happy Friday.
Be safe this weekend.
And keep being awesome.


(Oh, and "alter ego" is two words. I meant to change that before I posted and forgot. Sorry)

fawndam

I am who I am. I will admit that my erotic side is more intense on here than initially in person, although that side does appear once I am comfortable.

GorillaEsq

I am who I am. I will admit that my erotic side is more intense on here than initially in person, although that side does appear once I am comfortable.

Do you think the "erotic side" is exacerbated by the fact that no one knows who you are?

TeachTheGirl

I'm pretty much me. I think maybe I have more courage/confidence online.

I met my husband online. He's pretty much the goof he was online and that's what I fell in love with.

dalana84

I'm going to think about this one and decide...... I've never really payed attention for myself but I know quite a few people who live vicariously through the Internet because they can't (or won't) try living real life

dumbbanana

I'm not really a dumb banana, I just play one online.

TeachTheGirl

...I know quite a few people who live vicariously through the Internet because they can't (or won't) try living real life

Pardon me for saying so, but isn't this PART of real life? I'm real, sitting here typing this. What about that isn't real?

denezy

I am told I am far more charming in real life. And smell better.

Seriously though, I do think internet behaviours are changing the way we interact IRL. Initially, online communication didn't require the accountability that face to face did. I am glad to see that it is harder and harder to be someone different online than in real life.

That being said, it is fun to be anonymous. As evidenced by much of the behaviour you see in forums like this.

GorillaEsq

...I know quite a few people who live vicariously through the Internet because they can't (or won't) try living real life

Pardon me for saying so, but isn't this PART of real life? I'm real, sitting here typing this. What about that isn't real?

Me too. However, I'm actually a 97 year old black woman in Nebraska.

katamus

- Are you different online vs offline?
Yes, I'm more of a douche in person. I have way less "friends" in real life.

- Are other people you've met different from one platform to the other?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Sometimes I think "wow, you looked A LOT different in your pictures.."

- If there is a difference in persona for you and/or others, why is that?
Because MFP will give me strikes. Oh, and for some reason family members added me on Facebook. I just don't post anything there. I don't want grandma to see me talking about d*cks and stuff.

- Is anonymity the root of all evil on the Internet?
Yeah, probably.

TeachTheGirl

...I know quite a few people who live vicariously through the Internet because they can't (or won't) try living real life

Pardon me for saying so, but isn't this PART of real life? I'm real, sitting here typing this. What about that isn't real?

Me too. However, I'm actually a 97 year old black woman in Nebraska.

...Grandma?! O_O

stephc0711

I am more likely to stand up for myself online than I am in real life. But otherwise, I'm the same. I'm the shy, quiet, innocent one until you get to know the real me, and I'm loud, outgoing and, well, a major perv. Most people don't realize this about me until they've known me for a while.

Edited for typos.

fawndam

I am who I am. I will admit that my erotic side is more intense on here than initially in person, although that side does appear once I am comfortable.

Do you think the "erotic side" is exacerbated by the fact that no one knows who you are?
[/quote



That could be true. The intensity grows as more people get involved. There are only a few who keep my attention also. Why is that?

GorillaEsq

I'm the shy, quiet, innocent one

Me too. I'm hoping to one day come out of my shell.

stephc0711

I'm the shy, quiet, innocent one

Me too. I'm hoping to one day come out of my shell.

I kinda like it in my shell, it's cozy!

Carlyannabelle

I am who I am. I will admit that my erotic side is more intense on here than initially in person, although that side does appear once I am comfortable.

^^^^^ Pretty much this...

fawndam

I'm the shy, quiet, innocent one

Me too. I'm hoping to one day come out of my shell.

Let me help you with that shell!

Grandmasboy2852

I am who am as well, BUUUUUT I am 100% less social offline. More often then not I do not speak unless spoken to...

solyhhit

I learned to socialize before twitter (ZOMG, REALLY LULZ). So I'm the same online as I am in person. You just pick up the sarcasm better IRL.

hughtwalker

In real life I am shy, reticent and modest...

FloridasFinest

I am more likely to stand up for myself online than I am in real life. But otherwise, I'm the same. I'm the shy, quiet, innocent one until you get to know the real me, and I'm loud, outgoing and, well, a major perv. Most people don't realize this about me until they've known me for a while.

This describes me exactly! I'm a sweetheart to everyone (online & in person) but once I get comfortable with someone, I can be a bit of a smartass. :happy:

Brunner26_2

Online I say the dumbass things I think instead of keeping them inside, and I'm more likely to point out what I think are flaws in people's logic.

karylee44

- Are you different online vs offline?
not much.. pretty bipolar in both places.. which makes me hard to like for sure.

- Are other people you've met different from one platform to the other?
well, on here.. i have no idea..

- If there is a difference in persona for you and/or others, why is that?
i am a bit more sexual here than say on facebook (where i am friends with my publishers and coworkers). im a bit shy at first.. but my naughty side will come out when i get to know someone.

- Is anonymity the root of all evil on the Internet?
Yeah, sometimes

FabMrFox

...I know quite a few people who live vicariously through the Internet because they can't (or won't) try living real life

Pardon me for saying so, but isn't this PART of real life? I'm real, sitting here typing this. What about that isn't real?

Me too. However, I'm actually a 97 year old black woman in Nebraska.

I figured this was the case. too funny - funy funny one or two N's ? It's friday I don't care I guess

ChrisRS87

Being online probably magnifies my persona I'd say. I am more sarcastic, mean, and witty than I am in real life. I think that's because online I get to interact with people I don't know and don't care about. I like being a ****, but in real life I like keeping my friends more. However my interactions with those outside my group of friends is probably pretty close to how I behave online too, but they are just more infrequent. And being witty online is much easier than in public, because I can spend all the time in the world to think about my responses.

MidlifeGlowUp

- Are you different online vs offline?
Yes. I'm more myself online. In real time, I'm pretty shy with strangers and prone to long silences. People who meet me in person first are often surprised to discover that I'm an adrenaline junkie with many of the adventures on my bucket list already crossed off.

- Are other people you've met different from one platform to the other?
Not really. Most people use the internet to entertain the worst aspects of their personality. They can't hold up the 'Mr. Nice Guy' mask for long in person.

- If there is a difference in persona for you and/or others, why is that?
The anonymity of the internet frees me let my alter egos prance. I'm more than shy and bookish, but people don't often take the time to look beyond what's happening on the surface.

- Is anonymity the root of all evil on the Internet?
Yes. Sadly, when you're free to remake yourself and be anything you want to be, people usually choose to be terrible.

Brunner26_2

When individuals meet me in person, who only knew me from online forums, the media, advertisements, seminars, etc, their initial response is always the same... basically, "Holy crap, you are exactly the same in real life as you appear to be online (or in the media)."

In what media and advertisements would we find you?

RhonndaJ

I had to go back and figure out when I first got on line and it was apparently sometime in 94 as I was a beta tester for the first ISP on the island.

I am both the same in VT and RT, and not. By way of explanation in RT, aside from work, I tend to be more reserved at first meetings and until I'm more comfortable with a person, while in VT my personality is what people who've known me for a while would be familiar with.

Is anonymity the root of all evil on the internet?
Yup. And it's also an amazing benefit as well

zippo32

I am a talking lighter.............
Need a light?

GorillaEsq

When individuals meet me in person, who only knew me from online forums, the media, advertisements, seminars, etc, their initial response is always the same... basically, "Holy crap, you are exactly the same in real life as you appear to be online (or in the media)."

In what media and advertisements would we find you?

Porn. My stage name is Girth Brooks.

ChrisRS87

- Is anonymity the root of all evil on the Internet?

This is an interesting question, philosophical, even. I might ask, does anonymity allow someone to display their true character, which is inherently far from what we perceive as "good"? Then what is our true persona? How we behave in public, or on the internet? Is it not a test of character to see how one would behave when they think no one is looking, and there are no repercussions? Off topic a bit I know, just musing though.