Now we move on with part 2 of this topic.
Here, I would like to discuss this idea of a shroud of some sort that many perceive exists between the monitor of or computers and the self while interacting online.
This shroud that I am referring to is this feeling of anonymity that seems to just be there. From this, there are assumptions that we are more free as opposed to more direct interactions that some refer to as f2f (face to face) communication; something that is "real".
In a "real" world situation, there is the whole aspect of body language, atmosphere, and other people that yields a heavy influence on the way we act, think, behave, as well as the things that we choose to say. In an online situation, many of these variables that we encounter in an f2f situation are nullified.
We are only faced with a computer monitor, the keyboard, and the text that is typed out.
With that said, it would seem that the situation that one is placed in plays a large role in our level of interactivity with another; be it f2f or in a virtual world setting.
Now, let's take a look at this with some simple examples.
Party (or any other similar f2f scenario)
When we, ultimately, choose to take part in some social activity that involves f2f interaction with others, we are thrown into a situation where there is this over-arching belief and assumption that the goal of this setting is to be able to mingle with others and to give off the impression that you, the individual, is someone that is trustworthy, gregarious, and amicable.
Maybe that is sincerely, the type of person one may be, the in virtually all cases, we do tend to go off in slight tangents and sometimes exaggerate ourselves on others.
People tend to do this unconsciously as if we all yearn for this mysterious something in life. Maybe it's friendship, love, or simply the quest for "truth". Whatever it may be, it is something that we do.
These rules, for lack of a better term, are roles that we play given the situation. But are these roles really who we are? Is this how you would behave all the time, or do you behave slightly differently given the situation and the people that you are involving your self with in such situation?
Each of us, essentially play a role and continue to modify this role as the situation changes.
Now, let's move on to the virtual aspect...
What we are faced with in a virtual setting is the removal of the physical self (i.e. removal of f2f contact) by replacing it with something more meta-physical; our mind if you will.
When we choose to put ourselves into the role of the self without the f2f situation, there is more of an opportunity to be more honest if you will. But that does not necessarily mean that everyone is honest online as many of you probably are aware.
The users are all starting on a more level playing ground in a non-f2f situation.
With a real wold, f2f scenario, we are dealing with the mind of course, but the f2f variable tends to be a bit disruptive in our normal patterns of behavior. We see who other individuals surround themselves with, what they are wearing, the types of topics being discussed, the way that the people speak with each other, the body language given off...all these variables lead us to creating schema to which results in our output (i.e. behavior & actions) to the people we are associating with.
So why exactly is it that with an online situation, we tend to either be more open, or tend to be completely secretive or anonymous?
The variables that once confined our selves and our minds to this perceived required set of actions are believed to be removed.
Online, we are not really there, but still exist in a more meta-physical way. This is done so through our minds. What we communicate via virtual means, has a more direct-to-business type of manner whereas a f2f situation has more interpreting involved. The fact that the interpretation step is taken out of the situation, yields a level of perceived freedom.
With this, we are able to be more honest and direct, or we can choose to completely deceive another, by keeping our identity anonymous to the recipient of the interaction.
What exactly do you supposed creates all this? The shroud of anonymity...why is it that many of us perceive that it exists when comparing virtual to f2f scenarios?
Or better yet, why is it that many of us are unable to communicate in a more direct-to-business type of manner in f2f situation, and instead opt to include all these superfluous steps that require analyzing and interpreting?
Life is complicated as it is. So why are we further complicating it? Why not be more clear-cut?
What do you think about this? Please comment below.
