Just a thought (1171 hits)
Category: GeneralRating: 1 on 24 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Amanda Duffield <duffieldfam.at.yahoo.com> (View user info) at 2004-04-25 08:17:14 EDT
Lately I've noticed something about myself and can't help but wonder how many other people feel the same.
When I'm writing, be it in a letter, email, instant message, chat room etc. expressing myself becomes much easier. Words and feelings come out that are unlike myself in everyday life. I have heard a few other people say similiar things.
Is it someone we wish to be or is it really who we are that circumstances and lifestyles never give us a chance to be. In chat I come off as a fun-loving, carefree bitch with an attitude.
If you asked anyone who knows me in person, I'm guessing you would hear "she's naive, gullible and has a welcome mat on her back".
I have to wonder how many other people feel empowered behind their computer screens and keyboards or a pen and paper. How many people use it to say things or take on personalities totally unlike themselves? How many agitators are truly cowards who have never teased anyone in real life? How many screen names that begin with the word sexy belong to a person who never leaves home because they think they are unattractive?
I never lie if someone asks me about my life, if I'm married, if I have children, what I look like but I just feel as if they met me they would expect a kick ass party atmosphere around me. They'd be dissapointed. I'm pretty sure watching me cook, clean and care for my kids all day is not everyone's idea of fun.
But I'm also sure, if given the chance, I wouldn't want to spend a day with some of the people I've met either. I may not be impressed with their lives either.
User Reviews
Submitted by Bigmike (user info) at 2004-04-30 13:54:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I'm the same in person but a bit larger.
Submitted by SuperSwank (user info) at 2004-04-30 13:47:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I believe that the internet gives us a freedom...I freedom to chose who we want to be rather than who we are. And while some of the ppl that we encounter on here, we would surely kill instantly in real life, others become some of our closest friends...
Submitted by QueenAshlee (user info) at 2004-04-27 00:20:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Dufflady (user info) at 2004-04-26 10:28:55 (#)
Ranking: 0
Thanks for not roasting me on my first post.
Thanks for not being a moron.
Submitted by Dufflady (user info) at 2004-04-26 20:01:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thank you both for sharing the thoughts. All very true.
Submitted by shadow (user info) at 2004-04-26 19:44:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
everyone needs a place, whether it be inside yourself or on a lonely beach somewhere, a fantasy, an alternate reality. everyone needs a place where we can be what we should have been, instead of what we are.
Submitted by McLastPlace <brave_st_saturn.at.hotmail.com> at 2004-04-26 19:43:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Well, the whole thing about being a bad ass on the internet can be boiled down to what is usually called "John gabriels greater internet fuckwad theory". It goes as follows"
Normal Person + Anonymity + Audience = Total Fuckwad.
Of course this applies to those bad ass (most often associated with on-line gameplay), not the writer of this article...
I would say that what comes out in your writing is somewhat different than you usually feel because when you are writing, you sit down, collect your thoughts and set out to express yourself. why else would you be writing? Its probably different than what you feel during most of the day because its actually the first time youve reflected on it instead of just acting on auto pilot and moving to your next activity.
Submitted by TripinDayZ420 (user info) at 2004-04-26 15:40:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I think maybe the ability to close the window or disconnect when things get heated makes being a badass online much more attractive. when it really comes down it, it is nothing more than having no personal accountability for anything you do online. talk shit? who's gonna do anything. act like a badass? who's gonna disprove you.
Myself, however, being a male model/fire fighter/doctor/lawyer who could kick the shit out of any guy and screw a girl retarded wouldn't know anything about assuming identities.
Submitted by JBOMB (user info) at 2004-04-26 10:39:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
-2 because I can
Submitted by Magicaddict (user info) at 2004-04-26 10:34:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Mostly true.
Submitted by Dufflady (user info) at 2004-04-26 10:28:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thanks for not roasting me on my first post.
Submitted by QueenAshlee (user info) at 2004-04-26 02:53:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Just kidding. It's mostly true, what you're saying. Anyone I've talked to in the outside world is just so different online than they are in person, or even on the phone.
Submitted by QueenAshlee (user info) at 2004-04-26 02:52:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
I know I'm a lot bitchier online. Who doesn't?
Submitted by Herpes (user info) at 2004-04-25 20:21:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 cause I'm a big jerk.
Submitted by youarsoghey (user info) at 2004-04-25 15:06:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I know exactly what you mean.
Submitted by quack (user info) at 2004-04-25 13:19:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
pretty true. it seems to me that the only reason people 'pretend' online is that they can hide their insecurities. sort of shallow, if you ask me.
Submitted by Dufflady (user info) at 2004-04-25 12:35:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
"Unlike your post, that was dumb"
Well, thanks anyway.
"are u related to chuck duffield?"
No, I'm not.
Submitted by slowlyrotting (user info) at 2004-04-25 12:13:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
are u related to chuck duffield?
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2004-04-25 12:13:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
"[...]if I want the last word, I write a letter"
Unlike your post, that was dumb.
Submitted by Dufflady (user info) at 2004-04-25 12:05:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thanks for the input all.
Corn_nugget, you have a point there. When it's writing you can edit.
I hate losing verbally with my husband so if I want the last word, I write a letter.
Submitted by corn_nugget (user info) at 2004-04-25 11:17:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Herpes and I were JUST talking about this the other day! He says I'm "boring" online... and "fun to hang out with" in real life.
Herpes is a big jerk in both places!
NotApologizing rants a lot more online than he does in real life... he's a LOT nicer and smarter face to face. He's super smart. Dammit.
***
The one thing I DO notice is that I'd prefer to argue something online. The other day I was discussing my chances for promotion with my boss, and after the talk, I found myself thinking, "argh, I should have said this... or that...". Had it been an email, I could have taken my time and disected his entire argument AGAINST my promotion, and I *know* I would have come out of the discussion on top... as it was, he was talking too fast and throwing nonsense arguments at me, and I lost my ground.
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2004-04-25 10:47:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You make a point. Personally, I feel more confident in real life. Probably just 'cause I struggle to express myself (here anyway) since english ain't my first language.
Submitted by ThatOneGirl (user info) at 2004-04-25 10:33:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I think you're right. I mean, when hiding behind a computer/pen and paper/etc, you can control other peoples' perception of you. So I guess some use that to make their flaws "disappear."
Submitted by Dufflady (user info) at 2004-04-25 08:30:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thank you legallady. From reading, I've gathered the not so nice part.
I'm not too concerned with rating. Just enjoying reading what people have to say and sharing an opinion.
Nice to meet you.
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2004-04-25 08:24:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Hey Amanda, I agree with you. I think
the computer can get you into trouble
because of the "high" you get having fun
whether it is chat or ranking and posting
here a uber. Something about it can cause
addiction in some people. It may be that "fun side"
coming out. Welcome to Uber not everyone is kind here.