Does Anonymity Breed Unconditional Friendship?

[txen]

Originally Posted by Eltu

Anonymity can certainly have both bad and good effects. In out case, since we got together by a common cause or way to see things because of Avatar – it is definitely a good thing.

However, in other situations anonymity can lead to really bad things – since you can basically say whatever you want without any penalty.

For a good example on how anonymity can lead to different things, look no longer than 4chan. Some things that has been made there has been terrible, and some things has been really good – all because several people can gather together anonymously.

It goes with a persons integrity. It's one of those things that is difficult to build and can be completely destroyed in a moment. For me it is a violation against myself to say bad hurtful things. I don't think I will ever visit 4chan. Thanks for the warning. I have a feeling that I might have a hard time washing away the smell. Life is short and I just don't need that.

I'm not sure how to describe what follows and I think I may choose the wrong words. I find the anonymity limiting in many ways. It just feels superficial on some level. The depth of connection is low on some levels. People come and go with just too much ease. It's a conflict for me, because I have been deeply affected by some of the posts from those I will likely never meet in the real world.

Originally Posted by Leonopteryx

i can say for sure, that it can, and i have done it on more than one occasion, here, and other places.

Having a certain amount of remove, does allow you to be more honest, then with someone in real life. its actually pretty cool.

I try to be pretty honest in real life. There are times that I bite my tongue and stay silent both here and in real life. Honesty can be hurtful as well as helpful.

I feel that in the end the anonymity is over rated. I have made friends on other forums who live hundreds or thousands of miles away. I have met several of them mainly because I tend not to be anonymous. I use my name there. I only choose the Na'vi word Txen here because it seemed more appropriate. Otherwise I would be Carl Leonard and stand up. It takes more courage to post as your true self.