Your Online Personality V Your Offline Personality

[Nix]

Just been having a little think lately about how some of us are very different online as opposed to offline. So I have a few questions for you all, just out of interest...

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

Anything else you want to add to this thread?

 

[The Bronze]

I'm taller in real life 😛

This is the only place I use online so for me the question is am I different on the boards than in person. I would say a little but not much. I don't put on any kind of persona but obviously in this format you have time to think and prepare what you write. In real life you say what comes to mind or keep quiet, so I guess I don't go on as much.

I feel like I'm more prepared to tackle tough subjects on the board than in person. Simply because if I feel my opinion is going to be controversial I at least have time to prepare my point and hopefully not accidently upset anyone.

I like it when people have different opinions to me on here. It would be damn quiet if every thread was just yes I agree with this. I've never had any problems here and to be honest I think my skin is plenty thick enough to cope if I did.

I don't find it easier or harder it's just a part of my life.

 

[Blaze]

I never thought about this, I guess I just assume that everyone in the same online and offline, but I know that isn't true.

I guess my answer is easy though, I'm pretty much the exact same online as I am offline.

 

[sk]

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

I like to think that I'm pretty much the same.

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

Guess I hold back on my opinions both online and offline.
I do express them at times but I don't have that many strong opinions to begin with... and usually I just can't bother to argue about them.
It's more fun/interesting to see other views and opinions than express my own.

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

I very seldom get upset or such over stuff said online. That's fairly easy to just ignore and laugh away.
Offline, face to face, it can be harder. But it all depends on how they are expressed. I hate heated discussions and I avoid them as much as I can.

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

Life online is pretty much a non issue. Not sure I would say that I have a life online.
I spend time online. But to call it a life? No so sure.

Real life offline has some real problems and stuff that must be taken care off which is of course much harder.
Not that I have any big problems in my life, I've been lucky enough to have had a pretty easy and good life so far.

/SK

 

[Mr Trick]

The easy one to answer is Do You Find life easier online than offline? The answer is simply yes, because online you can just relax and not be challenged, but then that can also make it more boring and pointless. There is far more negativity on the internet than in the real world (although sometimes it seems like its a close run thing), and of course if people weren't challenged, then nothing would mean anything, and the highs, no matter how often they come along wouldn't be so good.

I am mostly the same on and offline, but then I am maybe more garded offline unless I happen to be with close friends or certain family members. To sum up there are subtle differences, but broadly speaking I am the same, but others might disagree.

I like the idea of the internet, but also think it is overused, and that people come to depend on it too much.

 

[Taake]

Just been having a little think lately about how some of us are very different online as opposed to offline. So I have a few questions for you all, just out of interest...

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

Anything else you want to add to this thread?

Interesting questions.

1. Yes, definitely. I'm more crude in real life, at least with friends, and tend to have a very short-fuse/am temperamental. (and please, no 'of course you're temperamental, you're a woman' jokes... they're not funny)

2. I hold back all the time. When me and one of my best friends were teens her parents would always sigh at us and go "do you have to have opinions on everything" - and we said, yes, yes we most certainly do! I'm the same today. I have opinions on pretty much everything, often strong ones, and I tend to reel them in a lot or keep them to myself, whether online or offline it doesn't matter.

3. Like I do in real life. But online has the benefit that you can just walk away and try to put it out of your head. It's definitely harder to keep your cool, IRL especially if you know the person.

4. Yes and no. I mean the benefit of online is that you can always log out but that doesn't necessarily make things easier. I would say that online activity makes escapism easier, but online life in and of itself can be just as hard as reality (in online life I'm including social media of course).

 

[EVIL UU]

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

I don't know, I do recognize similar patterns in my behavior in both spheres. I tend to cut contact with people when I decide that they are, I don't know, boring, I guess? I've done it a couple of times with some of the best friends I've ever had actually. I know a person for, like, 15 years, know all of their secrets, hold them when they cry, hell, even love them and one day it just does not work anymore and it is over. I lose interest. I get out. Ignore them, ignore their calls, shut them out. It works similarly online, it's just, instead of people I abandon places, communities - some of which I even created.

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

I don't try to hold back my opinions, thing is, I rarely have opinions. I don't get vocal unless it's something that really interests me, something I'm truly passionate about. Politics, news, religion, sports - I don't know, I don't care, it's boring.

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

I've been using the Internet for way too long to still find things offensive or irritating, irc, video games and imageboard culture pretty much immunized me. Internet - it's just text so like, relax. Sure, there are times when something upsets me, I'm no robot but there's value in that too. It gives me a reason to get introspective and try to understand - why does this shit upset me so much? Is it true? Is it not? Am I being irrational? It's a good thing to do.

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

I don't think of it that way - life is life, you know what I mean? Before the internet people used to write letters, have pen friends and whatnot. Online is just a means of communication.

 

[Fuffy Baith]

Mmm, I only act differently in real life if I'm uncomfortable around people. I am pretty shy in person. But I would say online I act the way I would around my friends and family.
I hold back my opinions and certain things in real life. I'm probably more vocal online. I'm definitely more comfortable with writing then I am speaking. If anything I've become more comfortable talking like a geek irl as a result of the online communities.

Guess I hold back on my opinions both online and offline.
I do express them at times but I don't have that many strong opinions to begin with... and usually I just can't bother to argue about them.
It's more fun/interesting to see other views and opinions than express my own.

Yea I'm pretty much the same. I don't have a lot of strong opinions and I usually don't care enough to argue either.

I don't have a problem with other people's opinions, I like hearing different views. If I don't agree then oh well, but I won't tell some one their opinion is wrong. Unless they are wrong. lol. I'm not gonna force my views onto other people either. I think people just need to be respectful.

As for life online, I'd say it's just an aspect of real life, it's not like it's virtual interactions. I don't find it stressful or anything, but I also don't run a site or podcast so that's probably different for those folks.

 

[BuffyElevated]

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

Anything else you want to add to this thread?

I don't think I'm any different online than in real life. I am me, 99% of the time, and if I am not being myself, there's usually a good reason for it. I sometimes may guard my personality a little bit, depending on the nature of the forum/media I'm using, but I'm never fake.

Sometimes I hold my opinions back online AND offline, and it's mostly because I don't want to waste time and energy arguing about it. I have a friend who has very drastic beliefs about circumcision that totally clash with my own, but I really like her and don't want to damage our friendship, so I just choose to keep my opinions to myself. Sometimes it's just not worth a battle, you know?

I am VERY quick tempered (my friend says I have a notorious "knee-jerk reaction"), so sometimes when I get fired up about something online, the best thing for me to do is remove myself from the situation. If it's Facebook, I may hide that person from my feed, or leave a group or whatever. If it's in real life, it's a little more difficult because I can't control my temper as easily when I'm staring into the face of someone who's pissed me off. And I'm a very nice, sweet person until you piss me off- and then I'm the devil incarnate. I have a tendency to speak passionately and hurtfully when I'm mad, and it has cost me a few relationships.

Online it's easier to avoid things and people you don't like. I think it's easier in that respect. However, people tend to be meaner online than they would be in real life because they don't have to face the person they're speaking to, so that makes it harder for me sometimes.

Great thread idea! 🙂

 

[Fuffy]

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

Online, I find that I tend to think twice before I post while in RL, I sometimes lack a filter 😛

Overall, I am mostly the same both online and in RL 🙂

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

I sometimes hold them back online, because of the whole miscommunication thing as there is no use of body language when talking online.
In RL, I can be pretty straightforward thought 😛

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

Online:I stay away from said person, thread or forum for a bit (BB is the only account that I use on a daily basis).
Offline:I make an excuse to get out of said situation so I can calm myself down before I do something that I regret.

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

No, because it can be just as stressful as RL, sometimes even more (which is why I find that I tend to withdraw a bit if RL gets a bit too, real 😛)

 

[MarlieTheSlayer]

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

Not really, although I'm a outed bisexual online and a closeted bisexual offline.

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

I sometimes hold them back offline, but never online.

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

Offline: A. I look at them with a shocked expression B. Ignore the person C. I tell them, if they are rude, to shut the f#ck up 😛
Online: I rephrase my opinion to make it more clear or simply agree to disagree (unless they are, for example, against marriage equality 😡)

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

Yes, I don't have to hide my sexuality (except on my Facebook profile)

 

[GwenRaiden]

Just been having a little think lately about how some of us are very different online as opposed to offline. So I have a few questions for you all, just out of interest...

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

Anything else you want to add to this thread?

I'm a lot more immature offline (I hope anyway!), and very outspoken in my own social circle.

I do tend to hold back on my political views online, mostly because I'm a believer in anarchism and that can ruffle a lot of feathers. My views are radically far left.

It depends on the subject on how I react to someone with an opposite opinion. Online and offline, I'd rather debate, talk, listen and learn, than go off the deep end and argue or insult.

Life online is always going to be different to offline, and vice versa. Life is hard in every format though, also enjoyable, frustrating, funny. I do find it easier to have fun online, as it's convenient, at your finger tips, whereas life offline can be a battle with a tonne of real life responsibilities that it can take time to get to the "fun".

All I'd add is I'd wish for people to never hastily judge someone in a personal way, bully or get nasty or name-call for no good reason, online or offline. I think that's about it though, you TWATS.

 

[brinkster130]

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

Not really.....only in that what I choose to discuss online is far more limited than offline. I have no interest in talking about certain subjects online....I guess I pick and choose my battles online. I really don't share a ton about myself online....just chat BTVS or sports; so I guess some people may be surprised by other interests I have?

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

Yup. I don't have the time or energy to debate certain things online. Honestly, I'm not interested in getting worked up by someone who holds no significant importance in my life.

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

The beauty of being online is that you can completely ignore them and cut them out of your life. In real life, I try not to let it get to me and remind myself that my opinion isn't better than anyone elses. Although honestly, I haven't found myself in many situations where this is an issue....I tend to steer clear of people that are really negative.

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

Offline actually. I don't think my personality comes through my online posts much. (not that I put much effort into that)

 

[Skanky Vamp]

I have no interest in talking about certain subjects online....

Like what? 
"There are three things we don't discuss at the dinner table.. politics, religion and Spike."

 

[The Bronze]

My views are radically far left.

You can't say that, you'll be hounded out of the country!

 

[GwenRaiden]

You can't say that, you'll be hounded out of the country!

Not before I stick some heads on spikes.

 

[The Bronze]

An image I saw the other day that you might appreciate.

 

[VisionBoy]

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

Hmmm.... I'm not as strong online. I overthink things and often tend to censor myself. I wouldn't say I hold back my opinions, but I'm probably more watered down about it than I am face to face in the moment.

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

I see a lot of hate online and I admit it can upset me a lot... but genuine debate I'm fine with on and offline. Pure, vitriolic hate speak is a different matter for me.

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

No. I'm very aware of how many people can see things that I post online. I have far less anxiety face to face.

 

[NightLady]

Do you think you act differently online as opposed to how you are offline? Why?

Nope. I'm a bitch online just as I am offline 😛

Do you hold back your opinions online as opposed to offline? Why?

Offline I sometimes have to hold back my opinions and take shit. Because. The beauty of being online is that I'm free to speak my mind and I'll be damned (or banned, in this case lol) if I take shit online as well. It wasn't always this way. I started being very shy and afraid to express my opinion - I was all 'may I?', 'I think', 'I believe', 'maybe' - and I was insulted, bullied and harassed because just as it happens in RL some people take advantage of what they perceive as a 'weakness'. So I decided that my opinion is as valid as others' (often it's even better 😛) and that I wasn't going to hold back anymore... Except when I understand that what I say is upsetting someone! I don't mean angering, because if someone is so stupid to get angry over other's opinions (and over a show!) then that's their problem, not mine, but some topics can upset people so if I understand it in time I try to express my opinions more carefully or just let it go

How do you cope mentally & emotionally when you come across someone with a strongly opposite opinion of your own online v offline?

If 'strongly' means someone who has strong arguments I'm very happy, It doesn't happen often so I jump in the debate enthusiastically. But if by 'strongly' you mean aggressively and rudely, I have nothing to cope with. People who resort to personal insults online are idiots and cowards, and I can't care less of them and of their opinions. But I confess that sometimes I lead them on because it's so fun to see them getting all worked up! (Yeah, I'm bad, I know 😀 )

Do you find life easier online as opposed to offline? And why?

Easier online? Of course. When I get bored or other with my online 'life' I just turn off my pc. Offline life can't be turned off as easily... I tried, I know

Anything else you want to add to this thread?

Nice one 🙂