Through the anonymity that the internet provides, do you believe people are more or less true to who they really are? Do they take the opportunity to spin tales about who they are, or do they use the safety of anonymity to express themselves in a way they're reluctant to in person?
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Many believe that people are not their true selves online, but allow me to give some food for thought. A person is typically more true to themselves around good friends, significant others and possibly family. I think it's safe to say that this is because they feel comfortable and secure around these people.
On the internet, someone who is usually quiet and unassuming suddenly becomes a full-blown racist. While many would say that they are being less true to themselves, I believe the opposite to be true. That person may be quiet and unassuming due to discomfort and fear of consequence, but their true colors (in this case, being a racist) shine once that fear is taken away.
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Edited by DTL: 1/25/2016 5:09:16 PMI think the biggest example is the flagrant use of racial, sexist, and/or homophobic hate speech. Sure.. I'm sure being a general asshole could be another example, but most people aren't afraid to be dicks in the real world either. But very rarely do I ever come across anyone in the real world who's got the sack to say the things a lot of you do from behind your screens. Specifically the racial shit that would have most of you guys swallowing teeth if not for the anonymity you get to enjoy here. But hey.. ITS JUST THE INTERNET!!! ...right?