4 ms·
One of the great benefits from an online alias is being able to build relationships in a community while retaining the ability to cease (and resume) that contac
by syphilis2 10y ago
One of the great benefits from an online alias is being able to build relationships in a community while retaining the ability to cease (and resume) that contact at any time. The alias may as well represent its own individual, with minimal risk to the underlying user(s) as to its reputation. It's a huge relief and a boon to expression to be able to communicate without worrying about the reputation of a sole "real name".
- Twisell 10y agoAnd this is actually even more reflecting of real life interactions. In all the activity circles you go IRL most of your acquaintances know only your first name. Only people you really bond with usually known your last name. So why on earth should every person you talk to online should be provided your full name and possibly start stalking you?
- doppel 10y agoTaken even further, even in real life you are likely to have different circles of friends and colleagues - it is likely that you behave differently for each group (knowingly or unknowingly), because they each have an established way of behaving, mannerisms, etc. Just think of an inappropriate joke that one group might find hilarious and another would be appalled by. The internet is no different, except we are now expected to behave in a singular way in a group conversation of 500 people.