Quote Originally Posted by Desperado View Post
I'm curious to see how many think there is a definite and acceptable difference between your behavior online and offline. I've been accused of being too black and white in the past, so perhaps it is just me, but I see this all over the net.

A certain freedom of anonymity or lack of inhibition granted by only being a name on a screen can explain it, perhaps. I personally don't believe I behave much differently online than I do offline. But I watch some who "walk" into a room and grope, fondle and otherwise molest everyone they see and I wonder, would this person do this if we were sitting in a lounge or restaurant for a munch or some get together? I wonder if I take online too seriously or not seriously enough.

Some things seem to really matter online, but other things are blown off as just being online. You'd think after chatting off and on for over 20 years I'd have some better handle on this, but I truly don't.

I'm curious what others think about this, or am I the only one even concerning myself with such things?

Thanks,

D
I have also wondered about this. I think the anonymity means that people show some true colors. You can say what you like, and what many people like can be quite horrible to read - they do not seem to feel responsible for what they say, and often seem to disconnect their heads before they talk as well. They show who they are that way, as I see it, even if they may act differently in real life.

I do not believe that the idea that it is 'just' online is valid, the online world is real in the sense of being head to head between vast amounts of people, and what is said has influence, for good or bad.

I really hope that there will be a bigger sense of responsibility coming on in all areas on on-line conversations, whatever they may be, that people realize that what you say has as much influence as if said face to face, and on many cases a lot more, seeing how you often talk to a lot more people.