Comments on: Simplicity, Anonymity and Life Online

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:40:07 +0000

Mark, yeah the so called “network effects” of letting everybody in on all that you’re doing seem like the great part about the social media. On the down side if something off color slips from your finger tips, everyone knows that too. I can’t help but wonder if it would mean that we simply get to know one another better and look at people’s mistakes with more forgiveness (or at least less surprise).

Scott, I can practically hear you saying those words. Friends that disagree. Seems like a completely reasonable idea. And in practice… I’m not so sure! People are bundles of emotion, which makes open discussion pretty difficult sometimes. Disagreeing in an assertive and non threatening/non-emotional way is a fairly uncommon trait.

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:26:02 +0000

Jeff,
If you do let it all hang out there, then I guess you would find out which friends care about you, or just need to have voices that agree with them hanging around. Interesting post.

By: Mark Myles

Mark Myles — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:27:02 +0000

Hey Jeff!
Awesome words, bro.
I’m going for “Integrity Sans Anonymity”. I like it. Having all my different networks (summer camp, high school, mill-workers, random relatives, etc.) collide provides opportunity for people to see you for who you really are (if you are authentic in your posts). That way, when you actually have to talk to someone in real life, they know who you are.
In my life, I’ve found it to be beneficial like you say.
Good post.
Blessings.

Mark Myles
John 3:30