Quick Poll - Anonymity

[iMc]

Does the anonymity of the Internet make it easier for you to voice your opinion?

Just a quick question, of which I may use the results for some uni work... the more poll results the better.

Feel free to discuss.

[divinemadness]

I feel more able to voice more controversial opinions I may have because at the worst I will get a load of 'verbal' for it if it doesn't go down well, opposed to a smack in the face in real life.

More normal opinions though I don't really find much of a difference.

[smtkr]

Who said anything about anonymity? Everyone knows who I am. It's no secret. Hell, you might be able to find out where I live and my phone number without any trouble.

[iMc]

Who said anything about anonymity? Everyone knows who I am. It's no secret. Hell, you might be able to find out where I live and my phone number without any trouble.

True, but thats only because you want it that way. People can have complete anonymity from almost everyone if thats what they want.

[nichomach]

No; my opinion is my opinion.

[javers]

It makes little difference really. If you have the courage of your convictions you would voice them. All it does is allow people access to others that would listen or at least interacto with those opinions..

[mike_w]

Yes. As said, the worst effect of what you say on the internet is better than the worst effect in real life. Personally, what I say online is the same as what I would say in real life, but I don't really have any controversial opinions. If I did, I would find it easier to, say, post it than to say it aloud.

It also applies to things that might not be 'controversial', but things that you might not want people to know in real life e.g. if you're really into the psychology of the rabbit brain, you might join an appropriate forum online, but might be hesitant to reveal that interest to your real life peers. If you catch my drift!

[kidzer]

I said no, i'm no more confident on the internet compared with real life and just like in real life - won't say something if it's likley to upset someone in a big way.

Having said that, what I think wont upset someone may well end up doing so, so no but bad judgement on occasion could lead to a bit of a "yes".

(hopefully that makes sense)

[TiG]

Of course it does. I can play the fool, or by mr serious.

On a day to day basis you are not likely to be as in your face as people are on here.

You can be who you want to be on the internet...

TiG

[maks]

Yes it makes it easier, on the web, you could portray yourself as anyone you wished, no one can see or hear you, and can only analyse you from the comments you make.

[EvilWeevil]

Yes. When I want to let people know who I am, I do, but I happily assume a more anonymous identity when I want to voice anything with any real weight.

On a lighter note, even when being yourself you are open to much more interpretation than in real life, and it's actually hard not to be anonymous in some ways on the net.

[shelley bda]

I voted yes, i'm really quite shy and quiet in real life so it's nice to be able to come out and say what you think sometimes ( without hurting people's feeling of course )

[iMc]

I voted yes, i'm really quite shy and quiet in real life so it's nice to be able to come out and say what you think sometimes ( without hurting people's feeling of course )

Very similer to my gf. She feels much more comfortable chatting online than in real life. It can give people a lot of confidance and a place to properly air their thoughts, which is good.

[iMc]

Bump!

Gonna be using the results for my work soon. If anyone hasn't voted please do

[yamangman]

No I don't think so. Although you generally might try to avoid contention "IRL", but that's only cos I can't stand fraught sounding people.

[just_laze]

Those who lack confidence in real-life most likely benefit from the anonymity of the web, when you voice an opinion online, the back lash is limited entirely by whether you want to read others' responses to your original post.

Personally, on and offline i'd consider myself highly opinionated on subjects i'm passionate about, i am eager to hear others' opposition to my views and enjoy the debate that often ensues.