REAL people

**scumdog** · 20th June 2007, 13:21

I have made the observation from contacting members of KB on-line and 'in the flesh' that it seems that older members are more true to their on-line persona than younger ones.

Younger members seem to like to portray an alter-ego on-line, they seem to think nothing of telling a far-fetched story, make outrageous claims etc. - nothing is too wild "cos it's only the internet guy"

Older members (I suspect) come form the old school of letter writing with a pen and paper where you tended to stick with fact in the knowledge you would very likely (in general) be meeting the recipient of the letter you had written.

Youner guys seem to revel in their anonimity it seems.

Any comments one way or the other - truthfully??

**Drum** · 20th June 2007, 13:26

An interesting hypothesis, and one that I suspect is correct.

**Sniper** · 20th June 2007, 13:33

Its proberbly very true scummy.

Stems from the Im 100 foot tall and bulletproof syndrome too. As well as "older" (not me

) people tend to have learnt the lesson that you don't need to spend most your time trying to impress people.

Something I learnt a bit too far down the track and kick myself for oftenj enough

**MisterD** · 20th June 2007, 13:34

I would suspect that accumulating years leads to a higher level of comfort in one's own skin and a lessening in the amount one feels one has to prove....grumpy old gits and proud of it, eh?

**Paul in NZ** · 20th June 2007, 13:34

I guess more 'experienced' people know that sooner or later your alter-ego is likely to bounce back and alter your face so they are not so outrageous in their on-line personality......

**Beemer** · 20th June 2007, 13:42

I agree - I've had some terrible abuse on here from younger people and I certainly doubt they would say those things to me in the flesh. I don't pretend to be a genteel lady but I know I would be horrified if some snotty nosed little teenager came up to me in real life and told me to go fuck myself! But several of them think nothing of doing that online.

There are exceptions, of course. I can't remember his online name but I remember some posts made by a 16 year-old (who is probably older now) that really surprised me because of their insight. Someone confirmed they knew the guy and he really was 16, and I was impressed.

There are also some people on here who are my age or older who are total tossers in cyber space. Who knows, they may be nice in real life (their friends assure me they are!) but here they can be obnoxious.

Some of us are good at getting our point across and some of us aren't. Some use the PM function to continue the discussions and in most cases this is great because it cuts through the bullshit. However, there are a few on here who think a PM is just a more private way to be a bully.

I tend not to exaggerate on here because there are many people here who know me and who would pull me up on it immediately!

**Rashika** · 20th June 2007, 13:43

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

I guess more 'experienced' people know that sooner or later your alter-ego is likely to bounce back and alter your face so they are not so outrageous in their on-line personality......

yep I think that is the crux of it for most of us... Mind you some of us are just as daft in the flesh as well

**sels1** · 20th June 2007, 13:45

A fairly true observation I think SD.
And to add to Pauls comment - NZ is not a big place, and it is not uncommon for people who meet online on to end up meeting face to face (particulaly in motorbike circles). The wiser ones tend to bear this in mind before posting trash.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 20th June 2007, 13:54

I agree with SD too....but young guys are often guilty of trying to be someone else in real life too. Hence it's generally them that are found outside a pub bashing each other!

**tri boy** · 20th June 2007, 13:56

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

I guess more 'experienced' people know that sooner or later your alter-ego is likely to bounce back and alter your face so they are not so outrageous in their on-line personality......

True true.
Talking when I should of been listening, and Two black eyes, with just one punch. Are two expressions that people can't fully comprehend until they have truly lived.
A mate of mine applied for the Police force years ago. He was bright, sensible, and approachable, but the recruitment officer suggested that he should "go drive a truck for a while".
You can't beat life experience.
Being a bit humble doesn't make you weak in the eyes of the knowing. It shows strength, and maturity.
Mind you, telling someone to "get f**ked"

can be delightful.....in moderation.

**Panther** · 20th June 2007, 13:59

Finally, a yung'un bashing thread.

**Holy Roller** · 20th June 2007, 14:04

It not surprising, seeing what the young uns write on the bebo and myspace pages and txt to each other. Big theats that if IRL would see one hauled up before the courts. No thought for the feelings of the other or any concequences for their own actions. There seems to be a belief that one can say whatever they want and it does not matter as it is their right.
Older folks have lived through a bit more stuff and usually treat others as they themselves would like to be treated. (there is always exceptions) Itis always a buzz to meet people IRL after all we are here cause we are pandering to our addiction or obsession which ever it may be.