Replies to post #22779 on The Question and Answer Board (IHUB)

[Bob Zumbrunnen]

To me, one of the most appealing things about internet communication is the removal of real-life communication problems like the existence of such things as gender, race, religion, and age. Unike in real life, we're all black text on a white background here.

I do see your point, though, as anonymity carries with it an implied (and very real, in some aspects) lack of "responsibility" for one's conduct. But it's one of those things where the price is worth the benefits.

[sarals]

Perhaps a decent analogy is a neighborhood meeting or get together of some sort. Everyone knows who everyone is for the most part and yet it doesn't prevent us from participating. We don't hide in our homes afraid that the person down the street might stalk us because they know who we are. Why? Because we generally believe or are led to believe that we know who they are. We don't view them as a threat and hence are not uncomfortable with them knowing who we are. What's different here?

Well, the analogy is only partly accurate, at least for me. I have been stalked in real life before. I met the person in my everyday life near where I worked. After a period of several months, I thought it would be worth a date. Within one hour of having dinner with this person it became very apparent there was a serious problem. I asked to be taken home and was home before 10pm. This guy, after a two hour date started stalking me... showed up at my home in the middle of the night with a rose crying... then started putting threatening notes on my car at work. Pretty scary.

So I am as cautious in real life as online.

[Phil(Hot Rod Chevy)]

People treat each other very differently here than they do in normal face to face contacts. Anonymity makes that possible. Take it away and cyber space would be a very different place indeed.

We beat this subject to death on SI a few years ago.

How would you police the posters to prove they are who they say they are?

IOW, if I posted as Bull Z. Rider would it really make any difference?

Or if you posted as Chowder D. Head?

This is my last post on the subject.

Have fun,
Phil