True Nyms

[l33tminion]

So, in "What is I?" today we were discussing electronic identities, identity theft, and anonymity (our readings included the essay "True Nyms and Crypto Anarchy" by Timothy May). From that, I have a question for you. How do the ways you interact online differ from how you interact in real life? Do they differ at all?

Also, I had a math exam today, and I think I did well. W00t!

Markos is in town, so Markos, Xave, and I will be hanging out at MIT tomorrow. Double W00t!

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_skye_/]

I agree with the unusual intimacy.

I also find that online I hardly 'chat' like I would on the phone. If my sister is on AIM and I want her to tell me about the fight she had with her roomate, I call her. If she posts it on LJ I often ask questions later, of course -- one way I'm helping to FORM the story and the other I'm not.

Also, I vent online. I don't in real life.

[l33tminion]

After our previous conversation, it occurred to me that one of the reasons I enjoy online interaction is that I'm bad with the subtleties of emotional communication. Other people, online, might feel like something crucial is missing. I, on the other hand, feel more comfortable online sometimes because I don't feel that there is all this stuff going over my head that I'm expected to get. Plus there is that intimacy. People tend to say what they are feeling, instead of saying something else entirely and merely expecting you to "get it".