Why would you be more open on the internet rather than in real life?(or vice versa)?

Question

^topic

and

Would you say it is relatively easier to talk in real life? (or the internet)

some of my friends suggest there is a more psycological reason to this than the "not confident" answer
if possible please give answer to it psycologically^

Thanks!

Answer 1

Like usual, preference for communicating via 'net depends on the person. I know extraverts who can't stand the Internet because they want to interact with others directly; I know extraverts who love e-mail and the internet and are constantly talking to someone.

I'm an introvert by nature and prone to anxiety when I'm directly talking to people, especially if I don't know them and I'm trying to make "small talk." It's always a little touch-and-go. I feel like a trapeze artist when I write, though; I am completely comfortable and feel like I express myself better, with even more emotion, than in person... basically because the person I'm talking to is not staring at me in real-time, increasing the pressure of communication.

The Internet (aside from voice connections, which are now possible) involves writing, which is an "indirect" form of communication: You put your thoughts into a neutral medium (by typing them), then the other person interacts with your words rather than with you directly. You don't have to worry about body language, or inflection, or what you look like, or how awful your voice sounds: Only your ideas matter, and you can shape them before the other person sees them.

Regarding your last comment, a lack of confidence in one's ability to communicate spontaneously and interact on a personal level in person does contribute to whether a person enjoys the Internet more.

But writing also offers more control over what you convey to the other person. I know when I send someone a message that I am saying exactly (at least on my end) what I meant to say. People only see the final communication, not the non-edited ideas. I can craft my message a bit, rather than doing it in "real-time."

And yes, if a person has trouble being open or is embarrassed about themselves in certain ways, the Internet puts up a "wall" that allows one to feel more free to share without suffering the discomfort of having someone "stare" at them in person. It adds some needed psychological distance.

(That all being said, I agree with Richard's comment about how you can't control how the other person interprets your work. You do get the value of crafting your communication to THEM; but you lose any real chance to tinker with their interpretation unless they come back to you first. It's very easy to be misunderstood sometimes since you do not have tone of voice or body language that would alter their perception of your intentions.)

All in all, the Internet is just a tool. It can be very helpful for people who are socially anxious or need some "distance" in their communicating with others. Some people really flower on the 'net.

However, it can also become a crutch that prevents people from interacting in real-life and developing those social skills. It also allows people to say and do stupid/hurtful things that they would not do in real life, because they feel somewhat anonymous.

Answer 2

I tend to be open either way.

I cannot speak for everyone else, but in real life, I tend to speak with friends. Communication is enhanced because the information in the words is accompanied with the tone and inflection of the voice and facial features and body language. I can afford to speak more "off the cuff" because any mistake in communication can be corrected in real time. Openness and honesty makes this process easier.

On the Internet, I tend to not know the person or people with which I am attempting to communicate (or may not know them as well -- there are exceptions). Now the choice of words becomes much more important. The possibility of making a mistake in communication is very much greater. More thought is usually put into the words used. Yet this process is also made easier if I remain open and honest.

There are some people who use the "mask" of the net to hide who they are and this allows some to make very immature postings, things that they could never get away with in real life. These are the equivalent of the spoil child who constantly interrupts a serious conversation by adults. This is not to be confused with the adults who take a humorous view on life and use their quick wit to amuse and amaze the rest of us.

Answer 3

You sit alone searching your mind, experience, imagination, store of knowledge. It is possible to in your mind feel that your only company is no one, or is God, and your answers are entirely honest. Awareness of any people changes that and honesty is not acceptable. Instead modesty and protection of many types are par for the course even before we give a useful answer. Were it not for good needed technicians we would have to learn to put a muzzle on our honesty lest we reveal too much, but it is a good reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe to good technicians and we can truly thank them.

Answer 4

S'not exactly difficult to comprehend...
in 'real' life your face to face and outside in the big bad world...
on the internet your in the comfort of your own home.

There's not much psychology to it or needed.

Answer 5

Truthfully, I shoot from the hip regardless if I'm on the internet or face to face. I'm just an 'up front' kinda person.