Why are people so different online than in real life?

Answer 1

It is called hiding behind a computer. People we can not see, do not really know can say things that upset us really bad. Threats , bad attitudes all hide behind computers, these people are cowards. It is easy to be brave behind a computer. Lie behind one saying what we really do not look like or who we really are. That is why some people are so different online than in real life, the computer gives everyone the opportunity to lie and not get caught.

Answer 2

There is, of course, a downside of the online experience in the anonymous nature that exists.

That is why it is so dangerous for the inexperienced and the naive to be taken in by whatever words appear on the screen.

Pedophiles count on it and use it to their advantage to lure the young and naive into dangerous and life-threatening situations.

Then there is the upside, the ability to remain anonymous and enpowering some with the power to say and do things they would never do in person. To some, it might be an vehicle to escape from their meager boring life and allows them to cross that invisible boundary that lets them be pretty much whatever or whoever they want to be.

So in answer to your question, I think for the most part, it just allows people a chance to be someone other than who they actually are.

Others, like myself, are what we are. I don't try to make anyone believe I am any different in real life than I am on here.

Answer 3

It would seem that you have had some bad experience online,hence your conclusion. But I would beg to differ. Some people may be different on line than in real life. But this, in my opinion these are the exceptions. The rule is that we are all the same people on or off line. Some poeple may have a different way on line and when you meet them you are surprised for the least. After all we cannot change the world and also people's mind. Just live your own way and discard those who were not to your expectation. Life' like that!

Answer 4

People (correction... GOOD PEOPLE) are so different online because they can be someone they are proud of and even THEY can avoid all the things they don't like about themselves. An internet personality is an outlet, a release for people from reality... very much like listening to music. And the real kicker is that those of us who have spent time in chat rooms and on dating sites do so with the understanding that most of what you read isn't 100% authentic... and we know that it's OK that it's not. It's like Nintendo, it's a game, it's for entertainment and enjoyment... it's not reality so don't confuse the two. Be smart, protect yourself and NEVER meet people from the internet unless you're over 18, it's during the day, in a public place, and with a group of people. Your LIFE isn't worth the risk.

Answer 5

OK, first let me say that I'm not one of those people. I have the attitude if someone doesn't like the real me, they can just leave me alone. OK, now for the question. The reason there are fake people on line is because, their real lives aren't what they want them to be. They get on line and pretend to be what they want to be in real life. I knew a woman who was in her forties and very lonely. She wasn't married and her life wasn't what she had hoped. She pretended to be twenty eight and beautiful. It really was sad to find out she had been lying the whole time that she was chatting with everyone. That's why I think people pretend, they are just really unhappy.

Answer 6

A lot of times people act like the person that they would like to be. And in real life they are much different.

Answer 7

People sometimes feel they are more free to be who they really want to be online then they do in real life. They can be perfect in all the ways that matter to them or they can be as rotten as they want, taking no responsibilities for the chaos and disunity they create.

The internet is bringing a whole new dimension to relationships and to self-identity. People are finding out more and more what they are capable of. Not all are finding it a hurt-free experience.

Answer 8

People can be whoever they want to be on-line. Also, people tend to perceive things differently when it is just in words, etc. You can't hear tone, sarcasm, etc. There is really no way to find out if certain things about people are really true or not without meeting them. That is why it is so important to be careful.. and not give out your personal info, etc. Some of the people that you talk to that claim to be a 13 yr old girl may be a 50 yr old man (and vice versa of course)!

Answer 9

This old school and I really not remember it well, but, Billy Joel sang a song back in the late 70's I think, called "The Stranger", I believe. It went something like this; *Singing* "We all have a face that we hide away forever, and we only put it on when everyone is gone".
I think when people are on-line that face comes out.

Answer 10

Are they? everyone I've ever met that I've met first online and gotten to know there was basically the exact same person.

I'm the same person - online and off. I'm sure that pisses some people off.

I think a lot of it depends on the type of group you're involved in where you originally met these people. people do tend to lie when on dating sites and groups.