Does your online persona reflect who you really are?

[Luna 0]

Something in a recent thread made me think about this. And, I've heard from other people about people who come across here as total a-holes that they are really very sweet, nice people IRL. So, it got me to wondering, because I've been playing online much longer than most of you here have even known that there was an "online" (17 years and counting), and from my experience, I've always found that who I am online is more of a true expression of who I really am. Meaning, online there are no societal pressures, there are no worries about people judging you, etc. because you will never see most of these people and online just doesn't seem as "real" as real life. So, it frees you to be who you wish you could be in real life if you weren't so weighed down by other people's expectations of you, fears, etc.

At least, that's what I've found. I started online as a very shy and introverted fifteen-year-old who never dated or made many friends. Online I was very popular, meeting and gaining the attention of all sorts of guys, and even garnering some real life dates (I met my husband this way). It just allowed me to be who I really wanted to be, but wouldn't in real life because I was too afraid of being rejected if I was myself. Someone rejecting you online is a lot less traumatic than in real life.

Apparently a lot of people disagree, believing that who they are online is not a real reflection of who they really are. My contention is that you can't be something or someone online that is not in your core personality. It may not reflect the person that you show the real world, but it has to reflect the person that you really are, at least to some extent that is greater than what I've encountered people believing.

Thoughts?

I'm walking a marathon to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Click Here for more information!

[mouth 0]

For me pretty much what you see is what you get....here and in real life. Like it or not I pretty much tell it like I see it.

--
Hot Mama
At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit.

[DaGimp 0]

i think that i come off diffrently online, maybe becasue you cant sence my sarcasium online.

"Professor of Pimpology"~~~Bolas

[flyangel2 2]

People like Conway, John Rich, and Kallend really are jerks in real live That's why I always give them a big hug and kiss when I see them.

I haven't had the chance to meet Ron, but I think I'm in love with him.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[JohnMitchell 16]

No, in real life I'm actually really cool and good looking.

[sunshine 2]

I'm the same disappointing, boring girl in person like i am online.

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

[leroydb 0]

liar i have video proof!

Leroy


..I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw my bath toys were a toaster and a radio...

[gordy 0]

Online I think people have a tendency to rant a bit more than they would in normal life and potentially continue an discussion a bit further than they would otherwise, but being realistic, being online is meant to be fun, so good on folk to get carried away!

[Keith 0]

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I've always found that who I am online is more of a true expression of who I really am. Meaning, online there are no societal pressures, there are no worries about people judging you, etc.

Bingo!!! You hit the nail on the head.

Keith

Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville

[Deuce 1]

Sorta.

[ChasingBlueSky 0]

There have been studies that prove that it does reflect who you are. I'm sure there will be more as it becomes a larger part of our daily lives.

_________________________________________
you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me....
I WILL fly again.....

[Darius11 12]

No.

English is a second language for me and I find it very hard to express my self the way I want.

I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." - Kurt Cobain

[mailin 0]

liar!

Your just as much an ass in real life as you are here




Jen

Arianna Frances

[RevJim 0]

I'm the same in person as I am here, sorta. All talk, and little action, if you know what I mean.

The only difference is that I tend to enjoy the 'group' thing we have going here, but in the real world I'm much more of a loner, prefering to go at it myself. I do alot of solos and love my wingsuit for that reason too, I guess. Not because I have to, but because I want to.

It's your life, live it!
Karma
RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1

[Dumpster 0]

I like to think I'm just as sweet and lovable an a-hole online as in real life.

Easy Does It

[Paige 0]

Quote

i think that i come off diffrently online, maybe becasue you cant sence my sarcasium online.

Ditto, tone of voice doesn't really come across so you can't sense the humor or sarcasim.

Tunnel Pink Mafia Delegate
www.TunnelPinkMafia.com

[Shotgun 1]

No, I am way more of an asshole in real life than the sweet little angel I portray online.

[Darius11 12]

Quote

liar!

Your just as much an ass in real life as you are here




Jen

You can say any thing you want. As long as you make me more brownies. I am such a brownie whore

I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." - Kurt Cobain

[mailin 0]

How's chocolate cupcakes sound?

Thats what I'm making this weekend



Jen

Arianna Frances

[speedy 0]

If I knew what I was really like I would be able to answer the question.

Dave

Fallschirmsport Marl

[Darius11 12]

How's chocolate cupcakes sound?

Quote

You are truly Evil >:).

i feel weak already. We should make some Irish tea so we can get hammered.

I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." - Kurt Cobain

• Quote

[mailin 0]

ok, so when ya coming over?




Jen

Arianna Frances

[wmw999 2,445]

Pretty closely. I'm the same rude, caustic, sarcastic person in person that I am online.

And yes, I look just like my picture, too .

What's the point of trying to be a different person in different circumstances?

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[lawrocket 3]

No. As much of a dork as I am here, I'm substantially more so in real life.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[Brains 2]

Quote

Apparently a lot of people disagree, believing that who they are online is not a real reflection of who they really are. My contention is that you can't be something or someone online that is not in your core personality. It may not reflect the person that you show the real world, but it has to reflect the person that you really are, at least to some extent that is greater than what I've encountered people believing.

I believe that the people (especially the one you that prompted this thread) who say they are different online, are afraid to act the same way for fear of what people will think of them. Maybe afraid of confrontation in real life, online there is little to no danger of personal harm. Someone can act combative, and a real asshole online and in real life be timid and peaceful I am the same online as i am here only slightly less flirtatious, i just don't give a shit what people think of me.

Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you.