Is it He or She, but Does it Matter?
By Shiva
@Shiva49 (28397)
Singapore
June 20, 2016 11:10am CST
I like to have a cursory look at the profile of those I interact with, be they be their discussions or responses I receive.
As you are aware some do not provide their real identity, photo, or age. And with few I do not even know whether it is he or she.
I become curious at times with gender more than their age or where they come from.
I know they may have their reasons not to reveal.
Most may say; does it really matter? But I feel something is not complete not to know the basics about those we interact with.
What is your take on this?
Image from Wikimedia
19 people like this
25 responses
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
20 Jun 16
I don't think it matters what a person is, young or old, black or white, gay or straight, but sometimes it is possible to make a mistake (especially on-line) and it can be embarrassing to say "he said..." when the person in question is a woman, but in fairness it can be an easy mistake to make for same names.
3 people like this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
21 Jun 16
@Shiva49 It is true that men and women are so alike yet cannot be more different at the same time. I was curious about the picture you selected because it reminds me that there are times when women dress and perform as men (even when they clearly are not).
3 people like this
@Shiva49 (28397)
• Singapore
21 Jun 16
@pgiblett I am also curious about gender equality but I feel it should not lead them at the war front.
Women are great in their own ways and I feel they outsmart men when it comes to judging another.
Regarding the picture, I liked it as it shows a man and woman not in a face-off but doing the same job. I could not get another free image anyway - siva
3 people like this
@Shiva49 (28397)
• Singapore
21 Jun 16
I am one who is subconsciously aware who I interact with especially with regard to gender.
I am not sure and cannot generalize but I tend to be more guarded when I respond to women.
Man and woman are so alike, yet cannot be more different.
You know that Peter from a site we are part of! siva
3 people like this
@ModernDayWriter (3318)
• New Delhi, India
20 Jun 16
Same situation I also get confused too.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (169585)
• United States
28 Jun 16
Gender, age, nationality all play some part in how a person interacts. I know that there have been people I have mistaken as far as gender, sometimes for an extended period of time. I cannot think of who it was in particular now. I have also seen people use a name that I think of as one gender but it is another.
2 people like this
@Porcospino (31365)
• Denmark
21 Jun 16
I like to know if I am talking to a man or a woman. Sometimes the name or the avatar reveals the person's gender even if it isn't mentioned on the profile, but in some cases I really don't know if the person is a man or a woman. A few times I got really surprised when I discovered someone's gender.
2 people like this
@Porcospino (31365)
• Denmark
21 Jun 16
@Shiva49 Interaction is most important part of this kind of site, and it is nice to know a bit about the person you are talking to. Some people don't use their real photos or real names, I understand that, but I like to know which part of the world they are from.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (28397)
• Singapore
22 Jun 16
@Porcospino I have been on online sites for years.
I have found revealing basic details enhances the quality of interaction - siva
2 people like this
I better be sure . 
@WorkAtHomeGal (229)
• Canada
18 Jul 16
I don't mind if on discussion boards like this one a person may choose to hide their identity. There is nothing wrong with being safe that is for sure. On some forums I use a real picture of myself. And sometimes in these places I use a photo of something I love. I am female but not sure if it states that on my profile here.
2 people like this
@cherriefic (10399)
• Philippines
20 Jun 16
I don't really look into profiles as it doesn't really matter to me.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (382542)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Jun 16
If a member doesn't give their gender, it is natural I think to eventually assume they are one or the other. Various clues encourage me to decide if a person is male or female. Sometimes I am later surprised to find that I guessed wrong. But I prefer to know a person's gender. Maybe it impacts on how I interact with them.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382542)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Jun 16
@Shiva49 I adjust my responses according to people's gender too. I have been trying to work out what I do differently and I think I might expect women to take offence more easily - even with a remark from another woman. So I try to be careful in what I say.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (28397)
• Singapore
21 Jun 16
I am sure others too are curious to know the gender to interact better.
Frankly, I may be more guarded with my interaction with women.
With men I can sort of understand their feelings more.
Yes, like you I do wonder about the identity of those I interact with and why remain anonymous - siva
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
20 Jun 16
I tend to avoid people who are secretive, the idea is to get to know people here and if it is all a lie what would be the point?
2 people like this
@PainsOnSlate (21845)
• Canada
21 Jun 16
I can guess who is what by the way they write and things they say. I could be wrong occasionally but it really doesn't matter.
2 people like this
