Do we hide under a veil of secrecy and untruth by using avatars and what's the point of it?

Question

This question is in reply to an answer to one of my questions from someone seeking the truth from people as a gift.

Namaste

Peace and Love

Check my 360

Answer 1

Or perhaps our avatars are just a visual reflection of our inner state of mind? It's all about perspective, right?

Peace and love to you too :)

Answer 2

I don't know if I would go as far as say a veil of secrecy, and untruths, the truth is some of these question are very demeaning to some people, as well as answers, and the truth being we probably get more of a detailed, and accurate description of a person behaviors, and attitude towards life.

because they think they are hideing behind this forum, and a computer with a avatar, but the truth is there is nothing real except the unseen, and it is verifiable through the actions of the person asking the question, and giveing the answer.

sure there are some things one can't see; but you do see a essence of the mind and heart at work; therefore, what is hidden has been put in the light under a microscope, from those who are professional in this forum, therefore-- there really is no hideing place, unless one chooses not to participate in this forum.

Answer 3

I don't think Avatars are anything to do with secrecy or lies (untruth just sounds awkward to me...always have so I took liberties). They can be for fun or to express a thought or an idea or even to create a similarity between the Yahoo! member and the image of the avatar. I never assume that the avatar is similar to the person (though I have to admit I often assume the gender is the same, even though I know there is no reason to assume this at all).

I'm not sure what the answer was that sparked this question and I fear this is an important contextual component I'm not getting.

Answer 4

Hmmm. Everything has a positive and negative. I don't use mine to give me a false sense of security regarding my statements. It is simply that I am a woman. That sounds horrible even to me.

There is not much I say on here that I would not say straight to someones face in terms of debate, banter and so on. I have been known to be very direct. I really am pretty much as I am here. The only difference is you would get to see all my inadequacies! LOL! Nah..I am wonderful, not perfect! but wonderful.

With the avatar I do feel more free to express affection for people without the danger of it being taken as an invitation of some kind or inspiring weird jealous reactions from other women. Sigh. Being aan older single, it is hard to have a decent conversation or platonic friendships with men without some individuals thinking you are trying to get them into bed. It is unfortunate. The area where I live is very conservative. I have been thinking of moving to Europe or the UK. Really.

The 'truth' is a subjective concept that implies a certain degree of consensus. It is not infallible and relies on our knowledge and understanding for realization.

Gifts abound in many forms. I will have to go through your questions to get the context of this little blurb. Unless of course you want to add a few more details here. Ahem.

Interesting series of questions you have been posting.

Peace and safe journey.

Answer 5

I wouldn't call it a veil of secrecy and untruth. On the contrary, the use of (relative) anonymity and avatars can sometimes help people open up and ask questions that they might feel uncomfortable asking in real life. Also, some people are in situations in which asking questions or engaging in open discussion is dicouraged. But online, thankfully, there are fewer limitations.

Answer 6

An avatar is just that. Another incarnation. Only in this one, we get to choose who we are.

It's no different from the masks and games we wear and play in real life. Because there is no 'us' really. We are different things to different people.

So I don't think it's any more secret or less truthful than we are anywhere else.

But hey. What do I know? I'm just a block of wood.

Namaste back at ya!

Answer 7

Some might, but personally, I use an avatar so that some of the Crazy people who tend to float through the internet, don't get my picture or information and then use it as if they are me.

We continually see people stealing avatars and screen names now and posting as if they are the original posters. Imagine what it would be like if they were actually using your real picture and name. Not cool

Answer 8

When I first started in here a year ago, I used my actual photo. Before I knew it, someone had hijacked it and posted it on an internet dating site, stating that I was looking for young, nubile black teenagers, or some such nonsense.
I learned my lesson the hard way.
Now, I use my cute little bouncy angel. She doesn't look alot like me, but she expresses my personality rather well. At least, my friends have told me so......

Answer 9

People are more representative of their true selves when they're anonymous. A racist might never go insult someone in real life but online it's free-for-all.. I say a veil of secrecy is better than a real-life mask..

Answer 10

I was recently advised by another R&S regular that I should change my screen name to avoid identity theft. I believe in being candid and honest in all my communications, so I was using my full legal name, including my middle initial. I have left myself open for receiving email, and if I get to know someone, I will give them my actuall email address.

That said, I do think that there are people here who hide behind their fake identities and say things they would NEVER dare say in person.

Tom

Answer 11

I think it is more for a fun thing. SOme little boy showing a tough guy picture, or some little girl showing a picture of Brittany Spears. We know they don't look like that. This is a fun forum. Take a break, relax, you will live longer.