<p>Now, this might just be the insomnia-produced musing of a bored teen, but I was just thinking (and appreciating that)-the internet (message boards, blogs, forums, etc.) truly affords people the chance to have their opinions "heard." It would (likely) be difficult for people to find out your religion, gender, race, political affiliation, etc. (unless you choose to disclose that information-there are exceptions to that, of course). Because others couldn't judge you based on (oftentimes) superficial information, they can interact with you according to "the content of your character" (or just simply your thoughts). It is probably easier to make/prove a point or to have people listen to you when they don't have preconceived notions/prejudices against you. I think this is certainly helpful in providing/allowing meaningful coversation/reflection for all parties involved (of course, the internet has its flaws, but what doesn't?)... I know this isn't some great "epiphany" or anything-I just think it's cool that "facelessness", in some ways, can give you power. (I was thinking "If this person knew 'X,Y,Z' about me, he/she would have given a different opinion; response; demeanor-perhaps the person would not have even replied...") Hooray for anonymity/freedom to express oneself, I guess.</p>
<p>Well, this post/random, probably meaningless thought has gotten long enough-good night/morning, all!</p>
<p>there is that benefit, but usually internet relations never really involve friendships because you can't know people deeply with such anonymity. there are benefits, but downfalls as well.</p>
<p>I know I'm definitely a lot more gung ho about picking fights with people whose logic I perceive as unsound. Since I don't have to worry about hurting any feelings I can really tear them up, when in real life I'd let it slide and change the subject.</p>
<p>Why is it ironic? People judge other people based on their appearance, it's human nature. Evidently, appearance does cause people to perceive their points differently.</p>
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[quote] Why is it ironic? People judge other people based on their appearance, it's human nature. Evidently, appearance does cause people to perceive their points differently.
[/quote]
Haha. No, it's your screenname that's ironic. ;)
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I just think it's cool that "facelessness", in some ways, can give you power. (I was thinking "If this person knew 'X,Y,Z' about me, he/she would have given a different opinion; response; demeanor-perhaps the person would not have even replied...") Hooray for anonymity/freedom to express oneself, I guess.
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I love the anonymity. It's not that I want to be someone I'm not, it's more along the lines of choosing to share certain things about me that I like and leaving out things that I don't. </p>
<p>^ No, that is very true. What I am saying, your name. Superficial means you judge things on appreance, while right now you are saying appearance does not matter. It is ironic that you would say that while you have the word "superficial" in your name. Get it?</p>
<p>I love the Internet. As a generally shy person, I would never speak to people in a group in real life as readily as I would here on the Internet. I don't feel like I'm hiding behind a screen, but the lack of realtime interaction makes it a bit easier to communicate since emotion aren't acted upon as quickly, and sometimes people actually put thought into what they post. </p>
<p>Even though a lot can be found out about me through a simple Google search of my username, its still cool being able to separate technol21 on the Internet from technol21 in real life. I haven't really made any close friends on the Internet, but its nice to know that there will always be several communities to interact with anytime.</p>