do you trust what you see in an 'avatar' - is a profile telling the truth?

Question

if an avatar is female do you assume that the person behind it is female? If you look at a profile, do you believe what you read? I'm asking this because I read a report in the Scottish Express today where a male 30something reporter posed as a 13 year old girl, and while I hope that no one on here would take advantage of that particular situation, I was thinking about how naive and trusting everyone (including me) is on the internet. Do you have advice or experience to educate people on the dark side of theinternet?

I, by the way am sooo transparent you can see right though me! I chose my avatar because it looks like me, I told the truth in my profile

Just got an answer 'depends how stupid you are', .........I was looking for answers about vulnerability and how to avoid the darker side or the internet , so that was a 'stupid answer'

sorry to keep adding, but another answer is dismissive in that it assumes that everyone only ever visits Yahoo Answers! most of us and our kids have far broader horisons that that I think!

Answer 1

The truth is, the Internet allows anyone to pose with any identity they choose. The only thing you can do is look at what they have to say and decide whether it's valid or not.

The trouble is that children especially have not developed a sense of judgment and are particularly likely to be deceived. That's why there's lots of advice about never giving personal details and never meeting Internet contacts without adult supervision.

The same applies to adults too, in the sense that anyone can use the Internet to publicise any views free of charge. That makes it perfect for misinformation and propaganda, which even the most sensible adults fall for.

On the one hand, the Internet is making information easy to find. On the other hand, it's teaching us all to question everything, which may turn out to be its best quality.

As for avatars and personal profiles, the only reliable ones are those that show obviously fake identities. Those people are making it clear that, whatever they are, they are not someone in disguise. They may talk rubbish, but they're not luring you with any initial false impressions.

Answer 2

You don't have much choice. If you want to give into the fear that no one or thing can be trusted online, you'll soon shut off your Internet.

I've used the internet since 1994. I've made friends online, flown to visit them, found that in general they are honest. In the same sense that you are honest with people in the real world.

For example, you may dislike somone that you have to treat nicely (like a co-worker). The same can apply online.

I've not meant someone who intentionally lied about who he/she was.

People may leave out details for their own security. If you choose to 'hang around' and 'talk' to someone online you could probably find out more truth than you have with some firends in your own close-knit circle.

I'd say the Internet doesn't have a darkside. People do, and always will.

If you keep your online relationships online - does it matter if a 30 year old man tells you he is a 13 year old girl? Will what you don't know - and never find out, because you don't go to meet the person, ever hurt you?

Even when I flew out of town I had other agendas, I'd go to san francisco to enjoy the city, the ocean, etc. I just chose to meet people that I knew online in the area. I suppose none of them would have agreed to meet me if they were less than what they presented.

Think about this scenario - you go to your local singles place (bar, coffee shop, etc.) You're eyes connect with a guy, you start talking, he tells you he's a successful business man, blah... blah.. blah.. How much can you believe of this? (especially the blah... blah.. blah..)

It's absolutely no different online.


Just enjoy the people you meet, when someone says something that intrigues you don't be afraid to say hi and get to know someone better - you just might find a good honest friend.

I should know, I met my best friend, who later became my wife online. (ps - thank you yahoo)

Answer 3

Hi there, good question! i think some avatars tell the truth and some tell a bit of the truth and some don't tell any truth at all. I've explained why i chose a smiley face for my previous photo on this sight and why I've changed it to what it is now. When you choose an avatar it does ask what mood are you in today and sometimes it's nice to show different aspects of your personality.. ".Tinkerbell" is just a little bit of who i am and "what's up doc" was another part of who i am, none of it is intended to mislead anyone. I think you can usually tell if someone is honest or not...the good thing about this sight you don't have to get involved with anyone you don't want to...we are told to be tolerant of everyone which is good but we have to make certain judgements in order to keep ourselves safe....so i sometimes check first on here to get a feel for some things and then make my decision what next...there is a a dark side everywhere but you sound like your in the light to me...

Answer 4

You can never believe what you see on the net! You can be honest and truthful yourself, but dont believe everyone else is like you! Cos there are lots that arent. Sad but true. Im also honest, but realise that lost of people probs dont believe me. Do I care - not really, I wont ever meet them and speak to them either, so it matters not. I can feel comfortable in myself though knowing that I am telling the truth.

I have to say though that I would tend to assume that if an avatar is female then the person being represented is female and visa versa. I guess thats a natural assumption isnt it?

What is really bad though is the fact that the internet can be used for such sinister means. Its just another medium for sickos to do what they get a kick out of. But a hard one to monitor.

Answer 5

I think the avatar is probably an indication, unless someone's either worried or dodgy ie wanting to not reveal what they are. Yeh, I think if you chose a female avatar people would normally assume that you are female. Did anybody take advantage of that situation? I think (although I'm new) perhaps you can kind of tell by the general feel of the site and the chat. If you're not happy leave it alone? I had loads of replies to something tonight that seemed great. I think you get a feeling if not. I chose one tonight (havent seen any evidence of it tho - would I?) It's not quite me, wish it was.

Answer 6

I'm the same as u my avatar reflects what i look like in cartoon form.Youre not stupid just concerned as normal parents would be (those who dont worry me!)

I know what u mean bout shady people they use this medium cos u cant tell what they actually look like

If u got kids just reiterate the general advice no personal info tel nos inc mobile or phone boxes or address to b disclosed EVER or meetings even if they think they are really cute and send photo (fake)

Answer 7

I, like you chose my avatar to look like me and i didnt lie in my profile. But I dont always believe or trust the pictures or the profiles, its far too easy to lie on here. The only advice i have is use your common sense, sometimes you can tell by the way people write if they are older or younger than they say, or if they're a different gender.

Answer 8

I think that it is smart to be careful, on the other hand, I agree with the one answer that you got that says "it really doesn't matter because we are just answering questions".

But apart from that thought a person should have boundries in any relationship on the internet because you just don't know..

Answer 9

There really isn't any way to tell for sure. But you do get a sense of who's real, and who's not when they pop up time after time. Some people give themselves away with conflicting answers to questions.

DonnaDoop - I recognise you for obvious reasons, and you've always struck me as genuine!

Answer 10

It's so easy to lie on the Internet that you should really trust no one. (unless you already know them from off line) Best to never give real personal info. Remember, unless you tell them, no one knows who you are either. Have fun, but keep your virtual life separate from your real life.