Which is the 'real' you? online or offline?

[xiaojia]

I was just wondering,

1) Is the you in 'reality' the same as the you online?
2) If not, which is the real you?

Ever considered that you are actually more of yourself online? cos of the anonymous status? Or is it the you that you wanna be but is afraid to be in 'reality'?

[Victor123]

lol yeah pretty much.. theres nothing i'd say online and not in real life.
My online alias kinda just represents me in real life.

[hiake]

@XJ: Not really, I am very much the same online as in reality. Just that I would have lurk some more due to the supposed shyness in reality :P But yeah, the whacked sense of non-humour and argumentativeness? Anyone knowing me in reality can testify that.

Comes packed in a pink box, complete with acid tongue ;)

[Nirvania]

I never though about this. But its true that a lot

of people have different personality online than in

person. I think this is because Online, you don't know

the people in person so its more easy to talk and say

things. In real life, you have to watch what you say more.

[Vinnie_boy]

well the me offline is more shy but i still share the same views and if i get pissed cos i think something is wrong i would shout it out. But the offline me is shy unlike the online me so i prefer the online me where i am my up front i suppose. But the offline me is getting more and more brave so soon enough the 2 would be the same

[tonyhk32]

I mean..who knows...
i feel like i am normal but people said i am not ..as usual when i am online..so i dont know

[jennie888]

its hard to be you online forums cus you cant say certain things to offend anyone unless its a no rules forum, so its kinda 2 different thing

[adrianc]

sometimes yes.
sometimes no/

if that's an answer

[Taxloss]

I was just wondering,

1) Is the you in 'reality' the same as the you online?
2) If not, which is the real you?

Ever considered that you are actually more of yourself online? cos of the anonymous status? Or is it the you that you wanna be but is afraid to be in 'reality'?

Very good question! Haha, and I just had posted a thread about the CyberTwin...

This is the stuff we got lectured about in the Media class but I won't use the to the boring stuff on here.

It's hard to define which is the 'real me' because I'm both offline and online. The thing with the Internet is that it's both space and time as it is (computers and cables wired up together) AND each individuality will create a space/time in his mind when visiting a network community like
MUD's, MOO's or a forum like this.

The offline me is like many others shy and will likely to act more like others would expect from me. The online me is a bit more cheeky, more daring and "verbally" more quicker than in real life. I somehow can think faster when I'm typing.

Let's say the online me shows more of what the offline me is hiding.

(hmm we can go all the deep philosophy way but I let others do that as I'm a bit tired now)

[ab289]

why the need to be fake?

i am who i am online or off.

[Knoctur_nal]

very nice thread.

[fearless_fx]

im as real as it gets, online and offline

[Xiah]

purtty much the same

[Ecko]

yes... on here.. I'm just shy boring low-selfesteemed Ecko of PA...

but when I'm offline... the real me comes out... I am Valkorn, Defender of the Alliance.

I've braved the Fargo deep mine to feed it the bloodfish at Jaro d's Landing.

[evil_mui]

^ Sure thing...<_<

But yeh...I think I'm pretty much the same ish ^^

[casshern]

HOW I ACT TOWARDS GIRLS ONLINE MIMICS REAL LIFE. http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i233/2561/Emoticons/beerchug-1.gif

[BabyRain]

Hmm for me, i'll haf to say both.. although online , usually people tend to be more outspoken and daring.
there are these two boys i know online... superbly rude, loud and obnoxious. Acting tough.
But guess what? when i met up with them, they r so quiet, shy and dare-not-look-u-in-the-eye and blush-when-spoken-to type.. Aww.

[vinnya]

online/offline, its the same for me. Not into being fake and all.

[xiaojia]

Time to answer this qns myself..

1) Is the you in 'reality' the same as the you online?

Similar.. but not exactly the same. In reality, I offer my opinions and views only when I think it matters. And mostly to ppl whom I'm closer to and I know will listen to what I have to say. Having said that, it does not mean I have no opinions when I dun speak. It just means I keep them to myself.

However, if I do share, I'm willing to say things that ppl might not want to hear. This can only be done cos I can gauge when to speak, when not to; whether to be straight forward, or tactful. And all these depends on observations of the non verbal (ie facial expression & body language) and also me understanding the audience.

On the other hand, when I'm online, I offer opinions to any thread that interests me.. even though I know that no one might even read it. Reason? probably due to the holding back in reality.. that I find a need to express what I think. It is like blogging.

Yet, due to the anonymous status of other people, it is difficult to express certain opinions, for fear of offending. Or even of what others might think. The audience also becomes larger, because every comment is public.

2) If not, which is the real you?

Both are the real me. It is just me offline vs me online. Faced with a different situation, or towards different groups of people, I tend to adopt a different approach or even a different 'character'. And I believe that most ppl are the same, but that can be another topic.



Disclaimer: The reason why I'm careful with what I say online, is largely due to the effects of policies in my country, which is quite strict on the notion of freedom of speech. With freedom of speech comes responsibilities. In other words the law applies... >.<

[happychic]

I think this question quite weird, I never really think about this stuff but im thinking that Im the same online and offline, both are real to me because I dont find no reason to be fake in either

[hiake]

@happychic: I wouldn't go as far as say it's faking, just that sometimes you may act differently online because you know there is no enduring consequence (unlike in reality).

@XJ: I think I see what you mean about keeping the thought to yourself. Though I usually don't do that :P That's why I rarely can maintain a "decent" conversation devoid of sex, religion and politics. =_=b

[xiaojia]

^ lol.. you mean in reality?

Actually, there is another reason to it. I used to be like you, 'argue' for the sake of an 'arguement'. Or discussion if you wanna put it that way.

But there are also many with fix, narrow mindsets. And it can be quite exasperating explaining thoughts to ppl like them.. And there are also others who dun like to 'argue' for various reasons.. such as 'everyone has their own pt of view, so no pt discussing' (which might be true to a certain extent). Hence, I tend to keep most thoughts to myself nowadays, unless necessary.

hmm.. or maybe those who actually think, are just like me, keeping thoughts to themselves :)
Honestly, I haven't met anyone like the virtual you in real life, who can give logical arguments and love arguing at the same time. These 2 attributes usually dun come together for ppl I've come across.. sadly.

I think this question quite weird
haha.. true.. it is rather weird isn't it?

[DuchSauce]

I'm more serious online, strange but true.

[hiake]

@XJ: -blush I am just argumentative in nature. Seeing that most arguments don't end well (they rarely do, in fact), so threading on the careful water of logic served me well so far.

Being emotional only interfere with further arguments, that's what I have (painfully) learned.

[xiaojia]

I'm more serious online, strange but true.

That is possible.. but I've seen ur crap.. so I doubt it.. haha.. kidding -lol

@XJ: -blush I am just argumentative in nature. Seeing that most arguments don't end well (they rarely do, in fact), so threading on the careful water of logic served me well so far.

Being emotional only interfere with further arguments, that's what I have (painfully) learned.

Yea.. always avoid getting personal and emotional, sth online allows due to the lack of emotions.. haha. And its true, you rarely get one that blast you and get you so excited you wanna do it again.. haha.

As for the logic part.. true. But not everyone is logical. And logic is also based on the way we think which is influenced by our experiences.. so.. wats logical to you may not be to another.

[hiake]

^ I guess, but there are things that are logical by consensus... the whole "I think..." spells trouble in arguments, because it will always ends up flaming one another personally =_=b

[xiaojia]

@XJ: I think I see what you mean about keeping the thought to yourself. Though I usually don't do that :P That's why I rarely can maintain a "decent" conversation devoid of sex, religion and politics. =_=b

You mean this? haha.. kidding..

So what other words to replace? I 'feel' is worse though.. and I 'think' means logic isn't it? I dunno.. do you get the personal when you see 'I think'?

[hiake]

It depends on what follows, because without any further explanation, I "think"/"feel"/or even "know will sound emotional and confrontational no matter what the context is...

But then if it's like "I feel it is justified because... blah blah blah and list on the reasons for that particular feeling" it may be emotional yet logical regardless of the "feel".

[xiaojia]

It depends on what follows, because without any further explanation, I "think"/"feel"/or even "know will sound emotional and confrontational no matter what the context is...

But then if it's like "I feel it is justified because... blah blah blah and list on the reasons for that particular feeling" it may be emotional yet logical regardless of the "feel".

Yea.. I think you just got that right cos its the justification/ reasons for the thoughts that can/ might convince others and not the thought itself.

Haha.. did I use ur technique right this time?

[DuchSauce]

crap? my posts are quality! lol.

The internet makes it easy for the meek to socialize, but if you rely solely on the internet for your socializing, you miss out on human contact and developing people skills. Human interaction involves real-time reaction, body language, emotion.

[xiaojia]

^ yea.. agree. There are just somethings that online can't replace...

[Taxloss]

crap? my posts are quality! lol.

The internet makes it easy for the meek to socialize, but if you rely solely on the internet for your socializing, you miss out on human contact and developing people skills. Human interaction involves real-time reaction, body language, emotion.

That's the old adagio; nowadays we have Voice-over- IP's and combine that with a webcam you've pretty much an interaction like in the daily life, not exactly though. The scientists are also experimenting with a fabric with electronic impulses that you can wrap around yourself and if your partner on the other side of the world is making hugging gestures, you'll be able to feel the cyber translated hugs and touchings. It may not be perfect yet, but so does some centuries ago would have ever thought that we really can clone biological life.
(I'm sure I'm forgetting something now...)

But through the internet people can meet up with new friends they otherwise wouldn't have know in 'real' life. If you've taken precautions (be selective whom you're calling friends) you can meet new people through the net. I myself have met some friends in the UK and Japan thanks to network communities.

I'm not sure about other countries but In The Netherlands there's a MySpace thing called Hyves, and Hyves often organises parties for their members and people get to know each other in real life at these events.


*yawn* Time for me to sleep now. -sleep

[Knoctur_nal]

well aint that sometin between xj and hike in the last few posts...

[fearless_fx]

lesbians

[Knoctur_nal]

man spttin the bad ass words now eh

[semkei]

the thing on here is ppl getting online is too be not that person most or the other side of them self cos they think they are shy and boring But if ur think u are shy and boring person then just improve with it like telling ur friends about its i mean close friends of course cos they will sure too help u out. Am very online person but some times i can be if am in moodly i will be offline.

[xiaojia]

^ haha.. I get what you mean. Online and offline are like opposites. Offline provides the opportunities for one to be what they are not offline. But hey.. apparently most ppl either are the same off or online, or they dunno/ dun care..

knoc: lol.. that comment was a little puzzling.. dun know whether you really meant 'aint that sometin' or was it typo for 'aint there sometin'..

[hiake]

^ It would be grammatically correct one way or another... "Ain't THAT something" or "Ain't THERE something" (to a certain extent, "Ain't THERE something" is the less grammatically correct one...)

[Knoctur_nal]

ha..u two are crazy...

[hiake]

^ Elaborate what is so SCARY about us... I am a perfectly average person -innocent

[Knoctur_nal]

who said scary. crazy be the word i said las.

[hiake]

We are not crazy =_=b

[Knoctur_nal]

shit..ur really killin the post count there....damn...2k mark already....now that is crazy in ur short time here....

[xiaojia]

lol.. hiake has reached 2k?? crazy.. haha.. I will never be able to catch up..

[hiake]

I didn't realize that until the two of you point it out...

Crunch crunch crunch...

[Knoctur_nal]

and so my crazy comment is indeed true!

[hiake]

I've said I'm not crazy lo... just an average girl =_=b

[Knoctur_nal]

we all got a lil crazy in us!

[SugaCutie0]

Hm, I'd say that I'm the same, really.. Nice, somewhat knowledgeable, just a random person;) lol um, if anything lol I do kinda like the offline me more.. Offline, I'm alot more playful and open, than I am online. I usually can get a really good feel for people that I personally talk to, thus, I warm up to people easier offline, which is the exact opposite of some of the people here that say that they are more quiet/shy offline..

[Loreen66]

we all got a lil crazy in us!

True. Some are just crazier than others XD

[kc15753]

IM the same online and offline but somethings i would rather say online then off lol

[chickenutbread]

i think i'm pretty much the same all around. there are certain situations where it would be better to say in person and other times, not, while other things are only appropiate when said online rather in person. but i admit, there are things i say online in a joking way i wouldn't say in person. it seems whenever i try to joke about something in person, it's "going too far" but when i joke about the same thing online, it's normal? so i guess joking online is much more open and acceptable.

[p3ps1c0la]

I don't know really. I'm pretty much the same impulsive person I guess. I say what I want to say and I just don't hold my tongue much.

[azntru3lub]

Hm, I'd say that I'm the same, really.. Nice, somewhat knowledgeable, just a random person;) lol um, if anything lol I do kinda like the offline me more.. Offline, I'm alot more playful and open, than I am online. I usually can get a really good feel for people that I personally talk to, thus, I warm up to people easier offline, which is the exact opposite of some of the people here that say that they are more quiet/shy offline..

true...true...true...this applied to me also

[Jun]

i do not have split personality =P online and offline me are prettty much the same

@hiake - nuthin is wrong with being an outspoken person, a typical modern woman =)

[WilliamStorm]

Hehhe so interesting... I think illl join the list of ppl who are the same either way XD

[xiaojia]

come on.. im sure there are more who are not the same.. haha.. just admit it.. no one will laugh. This is a sharing session -innocent

[nyckeion]

same either way i guess thats my best answer

[_keke_]

lol yeah pretty much.. theres nothing i'd say online and not in real life.
My online alias kinda just represents me in real life.

yeah me too (=

[無得頂]

I don't quite fully understand this question. But I believe I am real online, offline, underline, overline, or whatever line there is.

[phoenixgirl16]

same online n offline, but mayb a lil crazy offline XD

[pirvee]

offline should be much more important i think...
but it shouldn't matter if u have a balanced life

[dtNet_PA]

They both are real me. The thing is, online are so much more flexible and freedom, meaning is easier to express. However, this can be done in offline. And the reason is not so hard to find out. But I'm changing. Expressing myself fully everywhere I go to, that I think is courage.

[dragonside]

lol
interesting, i'm the same online/offline
internet warriors ahahahha XD they crack me up

[drsnoopy]

depends, on PA, i'm really the same. Other sites...well that's a diff story

[nunubutt]

offline im quiet. online i get to think my thoughts which i like better. Actually offline im much more pessimistic. Online im more optimistic because the internet is so free.

[vicky_tran]

I find it really easy talking with people online versus in person. The fact that you have eye contact and they are really infront of you makes one nervous whether they are jsut your friend or a signifcant other.

[NewAzNSensation]

everybody does at least something different with their online personality than their offline personality cause online offers a shield around you and you can be someone else and nobody will know.

[hiake]

everybody does at least something different with their online personality than their offline personality cause online offers a shield around you and you can be someone else and nobody will know.

Example: I wouldn't bulge into a stranger's discussion in real life? -huh

But personality wise, I am quite similar on the internet and off...

[NewAzNSensation]

ok not everybody then lol

[peachey]

I think I'm very similar in real life to how I appear on PA, unless I'm deluded about how I appear, which may be very possible considering how many REALLY bad guesses about my age I've had. http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b388/401/Smilies/irked.gif

[無得頂]

I realized that I tend to swear more or be less polite online. It's probably because I don't have to worry about face and a potential female seeing me being rude.

[xmichelly]

I mostly act the same offline and online, but I feel I can be comfortable online. I open up a little more online, therefore I think that is the "real" me.