internet INTERACTING: does it encourage more REALITY, or more FANTASY???
@creativemind755 (400)
United States
May 15, 2007 3:29pm CST
Obviously, since we're all here participating in mylot discussions, we do ALOT of interacting on the internet. But, how is it affecting u?
Do u find yourself opening up MORE than u normally would, IN PERSON, and being MORE HONEST, because u're behind the safety of your keyboard and computer screen, OR do u find yourself LYING more, because it's just something fun 2 do, and since it's over the computer, as long as u DON'T meet anyone in person, they'll never find out?
I'm sure that there's much of BOTH going on here. I know 4 MYSELF that the internet is a GREAT tool 4 me, because I'm naturally quiet around strangers, and I only open up once I feel really comfortable in someone's presence. And, since I've been blessed with the "power of the pen" (or, in this case, power of the "type"), and I actually DO wanna connect with a variety of people, these discussions are a great opportunity 4 me 2 really be open with my opinions, and 2 express my MANY views, on an array of topics!
I LOVE expressing myself, but I have NO INTEREST in being FAKE here, or living in a fantasy. Of course, probably the MOST lying occurs on dating profiles. But, if u ever plan on meeting people in person, I don't c the point in THAT, because the TRUTH will quickly come 2 light, so why waste yours, AND other people's time! And 4 me, what would be the point of lying anyway? I want the people who gravitate 2 me 2 be drawn 2 the REAL me, NOT some FACADE that I've created!
So, how does internet "chatting" affect U??? Do u become MORE of your true self, or LESS?
2 people like this
3 responses
@pumpkinjam (8539)
• United Kingdom
15 May 07
Personally, I am truthful on the internet, I have no reason not to be. I'm also usually truthful in "real life".
I think the reality/fantasy thing depends on the person using the net. Some people may be encouraged both ways depending on the situation. Personally, I don't think it makes a lot of difference to me although there are times when I feel I can be more open on the internet because if I maybe offend someone by saying the wrong thing, it won't cause awkwardness because I'll never know who that person really is and won't have to contact them again.
I don't really think of the internet as a fantasy world though.
1 person likes this
@creativemind755 (400)
• United States
15 May 07
I don't either! I still know that there are REAL people typing their responses, and I can still feel their ENERGY! I'm all about the TRUTH, here, and in "real life". It may feel a little more comfortable WRITING 2 strangers, as opposed 2 TALKING 2 them, but I still view the internet as REAL communication as well! Thanks 4 your post, pumpkinjam!
2 people like this
@Gorgeous24 (1091)
• United States
16 May 07
I dont have to try and create a facade of myself because I dont owe anybody over the computer anything, to me there is no point in lying about yourself to other people because ultimately you are lying only to YOURSELF. Personally for me I feel that internet "chatting" is beneficial towards my understanding of myself, I find that I open up more to people over the computer because I feel like they cant judge me, they can give me really good advice based on the fact that they dont know me as to where if it was my "real life" friend would they tell me the truth or would they agree with me cuz they dont wanna hurt my feelings.
@Gorgeous24 (1091)
• United States
16 May 07
Oh I also wanted to say I think its really easy for people to get so caught up in the internet "chatting" that they create whole world of disillusion for themselves because no one will ever find out if what there saying is true or not.
And to me those are the people who need to really sit down and evaluate whats not right in there life.
@creativemind755 (400)
• United States
16 May 07
Interesting comments, Gorgeous! I agree, that u can get more TRUTHFUL advice from strangers HERE, than from people u know in "real life", many times. I guess that's why people go on talk shows as well, or go 2 therapy. Sometimes, u need an outside party, who has NO HISTORY with u, and no EMOTIONAL TIES 2 u, because when people are emotionally connected, as u said, they may try not 2 hurt your feelings, and just "walk on eggshells". But, I want people's HONEST opinion about WHATEVER I post! Being LIED 2 DOESN'T serve me AT ALL! I'm ALWAYS interested in learning MORE about myself, and hearing other people's perspectives, so I'm all about being TRUTHFUL! I agree with u AGAIN, in that the internet CAN create a world of "illusion" 4 some. But, 4 ME, I wanna deal with the TRUTH about myself, so I prefer BLUNT responses, no matter HOW painful they may be! Another great post, Gorgeous!
1 person likes this
@palonghorn (5479)
• United States
16 May 07
I realize there are a lot of people who 'create' themselves on the internet, and are not honest. As for me, I'm one of the honest, upfront ones, but I am also like that in my everyday life. I agree with what you said, if they are never going to meet someone from their chats in person, then they will get away with it. But, it's a good thing I am honest in both respects, because I did meet someone I chatted with, and we have been together 2 years, I really don't think that would have been the case if either of us had lied about who we were, like you said the truth would have come out and it might not have been pretty! lol
@creativemind755 (400)
• United States
16 May 07
Exactly! And why put yourself, AND the other person thru all of that "drama"?! U can only pretend 4 so long! It's like a rubber band. U can stretch it all u want, but when u let go, it snaps back into its original form. Besides, what fulfillment does 1 REALLY get from having someone "fall" 4 the FAKE them? Fantasies are 4 my MIND ONLY! If I'm communicating with people here, I wanna deal with REALITY ONLY! Thank u, palonghorn!
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