The elephant and the blind men and the internets and us

**Todash** · January 4th, 2013

Originally Posted by Moderator

Is it actually dishonesty? I think we all have those pieces that make us a whole and we bring them out as befits where we are at the moment, sort of the time and place for everything kind of thinking. I'm going to act more serious at a business meeting than I would with friends but they're both parts of my whole self.

Yeah, I think so too. But I also think there's a line you can cross, some gray area--one thing about the internet that blows my mind is how people feel free to be completely nasty, and you KNOW most of them would not act that way in meatspace--and I think it might be worth checking oneself occasionally to make sure we aren't turning into "that guy."

**atomicinchworm** · January 4th, 2013

I think I am pretty much the same. I do a little self editing on Facebook (not always, but some statuses) because my atheism upsets my parents, and I've got some younger cousins I don't want to explain why I feel that way to. I'm kind of an a**hole, but I am occasionally cognizant of other people.

To be fair, Todash, you keep it pretty light on facebook too. :P

**doowopgirl** · January 4th, 2013

I am always me. But as has been pinted out by other people here, there are slightly different 'me' in different situations. Like if we are in a more serious occasion or one where silliness or more casual behaviour is called for. But this is my favorite me.

**GNTLGNT** · January 4th, 2013

Originally Posted by Neesy

No you aren't! You are one of the funniest people on this board. I love your pictures. Thanks for all the laughs you have provided!

...thanks honey, but I are proud of being Chief of Clan Goofball...it's what I do...

**CCAL** · January 4th, 2013

I'm just me even if it ticks someone off. I feel like I cant afford to be what someone else wants/needs me to be.I'm just glad to still be here.

**Shasta** · January 4th, 2013

That is a very good and thought-provoking post.

I personally think I'm more myself on the Internet that I am in person. As you all know by now, I can come on a little strong so as I age I have tried to tone that down in real life a bit. Heck, even on here I've tried to tone it down a bit. But on my blog I'm all out evil Shasta.

I don't at all feel like it's being dishonest. I really feel like to be in a social society it's better to adapt to situations. My 16-year-old-self would strongly disagree with that but my 16-year-old-self has learned a lot of lessons since then.

**Tim D.** · January 24th, 2013

I am always me, though slight variations in demeanor do occur depending on the company I'm in. For example, if you're an idiot I can get angry and have trouble hiding the fact that I wouldn't mind elbowing you in the face. In the short time I've been a member of the SKMB it has pretty much supplanted Facebook as my internet hangout place. I find here that I can indulge in intelligent conversations with a cool group of people, discuss my favorite books and movies and such, and even act goofy if the mood so hits me. Facebook is increasingly holding less interest for me, due to the fact that the rise of social media has convinced every single person on the planet that even the most moronic thought that goes through their head needs to be shared and discussed. A quote from Dean Koontz pretty much sums up my feelings about Facebook these days:

“Human beings can always be relied upon to exert, with vigor, their God-given right to be stupid. ”