The anonominity of the internet

[FabianN]

This is something that the internet has given us which is quite possibly the greatest thing to human interaction.

Being able to be compleatly Anonymous.
I may post pictures of someone that I say is me, but by all means I could be faking and I could be someone I am not at all.

Now, at first, with that thought, that I can by anybody, many may start thinking of *********s on the internet trying to trick kids. That gives the anonominity a bad rap, when it's really a great thing.

Because of this, I can be who ever I want without being embarresed. People can't judge anyone by looks because you don't really know what you look like. Instead, people are forced to judge you by who you are as a person on the inside. It doesn't matter your age, color of skin, or if you have deformations.
That stuff isn't shown unless you allow it.
People know you as "Jo-Jo", the musical genuise, instead of Pete, the 8 year old with a deformed hand.

Now, the greatest show of anonominity is from the fatuba style boards.
One of the largest english ones is 4chan.
On there, you are preatty much forced to be Anonymous. You can't sign up, can't set a avatar or sig.
On some of the boards you can give yourself a name, and add a hash to identify yourself as who you say you are, but other then that, but on some boards, you can't do even that. Everyone is the same.
And now, with the thought that no one needs to sign up, you'd think that it would be full of people breaking the rules, and just making trouble.
But it's not. In fact, they have less rule-breaking then the forums that require registration.
Thats because, first, no one knows who to yell at, or target. Everyone looks the same, so you can't target anyone.

Here is a post from a /b/**** that is a prime example of anonominity




What are you're thoughts about the Anonymouses of the internet?

[dacrazyboi]

well...i think its fine, i mean...you dont want to be exposing yourself too much to total strangers...
and it actually helps improve self-esteem of real-life outsiders that are too afraid to talk because of what people might say.
in conclusion, through the internet, they are able to speak freely without any judgement...and even if there is judgement, they know not to take it personally because the chances of seeing the judge will be one in a million...
but...
the fact that some people attempt to enlarge themselves through the internet a.k.a. "e-thugs" is just stupid, its pathetic how they cant stand up for themselves in real-life, but is able to do so through the internet...i guess thats just another example of building self-esteem...
and some people take the internet too realistically...even though the internet is real, im talking about the games and such...i mean suicides .. cmon? and murders...
and like those two guys that stayed up for three days straight playing WoW i think...died cause of not shitting, eating, drinking, peeing, etc.
the internet is dangerous, but satisfying...
iono, if i keep going itd be too long.

[TrayDay]

well...i think its fine, i mean...you dont want to be exposing yourself too much to total strangers...
and it actually helps improve self-esteem of real-life outsiders that are too afraid to talk because of what people might say.
in conclusion, through the internet, they are able to speak freely without any judgement...and even if there is judgement, they know not to take it personally because the chances of seeing the judge will be one in a million...
but...
the fact that some people attempt to enlarge themselves through the internet a.k.a. "e-thugs" is just stupid, its pathetic how they cant stand up for themselves in real-life, but is able to do so through the internet...i guess thats just another example of building self-esteem...
and some people take the internet too realistically...even though the internet is real, im talking about the games and such...i mean suicides .. cmon? and murders...
and like those two guys that stayed up for three days straight playing WoW i think...died cause of not shitting, eating, drinking, peeing, etc.
the internet is dangerous, but satisfying...
iono, if i keep going itd be too long.

Actually you was hitting some key points there.I actually didnt nknow of e-thugs existed until now due to your post.
What do I think about the topic?
Well I do love Anonymous for it covers up identity and help many people of all kinds.What I do find interesting is that the quote"/b/ is a place for people to be monsters-the horrble,senseless, uncaring monsters that they really are"
Now that quote is true by far.Let yourself go and be wild over the boards And have some pride about it.Some find it that's the best way to get pride is by the internet.But then again how should I know what the other is thinking if I actually don't know them to well.
What also is great about Anonymous is that when someone really really want to be nasty to you.You could be nasty back without them knowing who they is actually talking to which in the end is a little less worth fussing over.It really has been a bad reason to fuss over nothing while surfing or using the web.But some seems to do so anyways which makes it Anonymous the way to be.

[Soul]

In modern society, The majority of people judge you by looks.

Sometimes your lucky to fit in well, and other times you're targeted for no reason. People can have a grudge against you in the real world, even if they havent met you.

the funny thing about the internet, is that nobody knows you until you get involved. In real world, theres a lot of backstabbing and misjudging, even before they've said a word to you. No one hates you til you launch an attack on them. There's no whispering behind your back.

Boards are the key to letting go of your miseries, and showing your true knowledge and wisdom. Unlike real life, you're accepted better here if you contribute more.

[dacrazyboi]

meh, ill continue i guess...
a lot of people use the computer/internet as a barrier...but what good will that do you? if youre not going to apply the skills you learn through the computer/internet to life, then whats the point? youre basically leading two pointLESS lives...

for example, if you are very shy or whatever in life, and you use the computer to boost your ego...then why not act the same in real life...theres no point of having an ego on the net, and outside of it youre useless and unsocialable...
i doubt many will get a career which focuses on using the internet 24/7
and public speaking is a very important factor to have...

[made it short cause im tired and i wanna sleep]

[Soul]

for example, if you are very shy or whatever in life, and you use the computer to boost your ego...then why not act the same in real life...theres no point of having an ego on the net, and outside of it youre useless and unsocialable...

That may be the case for some people. But you can use it to boost your ego, then go out and be confident. After i discovered onrpg forums 2 years ago, i've undergone a huge change. Basically you come across a lot of idiots on the internet, or "wanna be's".

I used to be a wanna be. I wanted to be in the "cool" group. Somehow coming to these forums opens you up to human nature and all sorts of people. Now i really dont give a shit and i be myself. And look where its got me? its got me into the "cool" group and people accept me for who i am. These forums are the only ones im really active on. It's given me a huge ego boost, and its payed off.

You dont really live a life on the internet, unless you choose to believe so. I think of the internet as a fun passtime to play games, and also socialise with people i thought i'd never talk to. Even though i havent interacted with you guys in person through the last 2 years, but i've grown admiration and respect for some of you.

[PowerGamer]

Its ok, but talking to someone in real life is more entertaining for me :P