Provocative assertions in real life and online: a discrepancy

[LukkyKnight]

In real life, right or wrong, those who make provocative or inflammatory statements run a risk. Online there's virtually no risk if one avoids libel and slander. So while the brave (or perhaps reckless) will own their behavior (s) offline, the timid can "feel" bold and empowered online, particularly if they don't realize or reflect upon the differences.

 

[LadyG]

Hmmm...I agree.

But..I'm much more liable to provoke off line, I tone down here, because sometimes the written word can seem much more offensive that it is intended to!

Of course, not to say that I haven't screwed up

 

[Cheyenne]

So, is there a particular example you want us to read?

 

[breakwall]

I've noticed this. People make derogatory comments here that would get their lights punched out in real life. The odd thing is, and I don't know if it's because I'm relatively new here (shit LK, 14,000??) or what, but I am considerably more reserved here than I am in real life.

But I suspect for many, the opposite would be true. This is their world to be the person they always wanted to be, or suspect they really are.

 

[mbb308]

In real life, right or wrong, those who make provocative or inflammatory statements run a risk. Online there's virtually no risk if one avoids libel and slander. So while the brave (or perhaps reckless) will own their behavior (s) offline, the timid can "feel" bold and empowered online, particularly if they don't realize or reflect upon the differences.

Simply, you're not going to get your ass whipped for shooting off your mouth online.

 

[Mr2U]

I've noticed this. People make derogatory comments here that would get their lights punched out in real life. The odd thing is, and I don't know if it's because I'm relatively new here (shit LK, 14,000??) or what, but I am considerably more reserved here than I am in real life.

But I suspect for many, the opposite would be true. This is their world to be the person they always wanted to be, or suspect they really are.

Agree, tend to be more reserved online, mainly because no one really pays much attention to people on these forums so why waste the effort getting worked up about something thats typed here. In real life I don't have to worry about getting 'my lights punched out' very much, though I do enjoy creating those kind of situations (in real life).

 

[someplace]

I try to keep it simple. I'm the same on as offline. I screw up in both places and my online friends are my real life friends. It gives me less headaches trying to keep it all straight that way.

 

[Richard49]

I try to be me
online
or off line

Online does give me a chance to take a little
time to be more reflective

 

[MunchinMark]

That is probably true for some LuckkyKnight.

I personally find that the opposite is the case. Usually when I offend it is with an off the cuff comment or something they weren't supposed to hear (come on, you've all done this). Online they very rarely happen because of the time it takes to make out a post, and the possibility of editing what you have already said.

 

[sweet soft kiss]

I think I try to behave much the same way on and off line. I am probably a bit more flirtatious on than off. But otherwise I never try to say anything to anyone behind their back that I wouldn't say to them in person.

 

[LukkyKnight]

I think many are fairly close online to how they act in real life. The more comfortable and secure you are in your own skin, the more you have a well-founded sense of self-respect, the more likely you are to be true to that self without regard to the venue. It's those who are unwilling to face the real world on those terms who tend to lash out where they feel safer, as they surely do online.

 

[erosman]

I think many are fairly close online to how they act in real life. The more comfortable and secure you are in your own skin, the more you have a well-founded sense of self-respect, the more likely you are to be true to that self without regard to the venue. It's those who are unwilling to face the real world on those terms who tend to lash out where they feel safer, as they surely do online.

Great observation, sir. It's the smallness of a person that usually fuels one's pugnacity

 

[patient1]

Agreed, Lukky & erosman.

 

[MissTaken]

I think many are fairly close online to how they act in real life. The more comfortable and secure you are in your own skin, the more you have a well-founded sense of self-respect, the more likely you are to be true to that self without regard to the venue. It's those who are unwilling to face the real world on those terms who tend to lash out where they feel safer, as they surely do online.

Oddly enough, I used exactly this statement "being comfortable in one's own skin" last night. People who are truly confident have no need to behave a whole lot different on line than they do off. I am pretty consistent wherever I am, which also means I am equally as likely to make silly mistakes, blurt foolish things or hurt someone's feelings on line as well as off.

I am not an attention seeker in real time and not one here.

IMHO, someone who comes on line to create dischord in an effort to seek attention and build themselves up needs to get off the computer, find something they are really good at and take up that as a hobby. That is more likely to realistically improve their self image than blustering about amongst a bunch of anonymous perverts!

 

[LordLucan74]

In real life, right or wrong, those who make provocative or inflammatory statements run a risk. Online there's virtually no risk if one avoids libel and slander. So while the brave (or perhaps reckless) will own their behavior (s) offline, the timid can "feel" bold and empowered online, particularly if they don't realize or reflect upon the differences.

Thank You Doctor Pavlov....

 

[MissTaken]

Re: Re: Provocative assertions in real life and online: a discrepancy

Thank You Doctor Pavlov....

Lukky certainly makes me drool!

 

[SpiceCake]

In real life, right or wrong, those who make provocative or inflammatory statements run a risk. Online there's virtually no risk if one avoids libel and slander. So while the brave (or perhaps reckless) will own their behavior (s) offline, the timid can "feel" bold and empowered online, particularly if they don't realize or reflect upon the differences.

There's a joke at our office - It's only "slander" if you mean it! LOL

Disclaimer:This is a joke, people!

So my questions is this: If they send it to you personally in an email or a private message - can it then be construed as slander? It is directed AT you!

Oh, and hey LK!

 

[LordLucan74]

Oddly enough, I used exactly this statement "being comfortable in one's own skin" last night. People who are truly confident have no need to behave a whole lot different on line than they do off. I am pretty consistent wherever I am, which also means I am equally as likely to make silly mistakes, blurt foolish things or hurt someone's feelings on line as well as off.

I am not an attention seeker in real time and not one here.

IMHO, someone who comes on line to create dischord in an effort to seek attention and build themselves up needs to get off the computer, find something they are really good at and take up that as a hobby. That is more likely to realistically improve their self image than blustering about amongst a bunch of anonymous perverts!

You seriously need a life.

 

[LukkyKnight]

Great observation, sir. It's the smallness of a person that usually fuels one's pugnacity

The size of the bluster is generally inversely proportional to the size of the spirit.

 

[LordLucan74]

The size of the bluster is generally inversely proportional to the size of the spirit.

I challenge you to reduce that to a formula, Dr Skinner

 

[MissTaken]

You seriously need a life.

I will take your kind recommendation under consideration.

Thank you.

 

[MissTaken]

The size of the bluster is generally inversely proportional to the size of the spirit.

Or the size of the .............. ?

 

[tswyk]

Or the size of the .............. ?

hee hee!!! SO true, Miss T!!!

 

[breakwall]

I challenge you to reduce that to a formula, Dr Skinner

I dislike you immensely.

I think I'm going to make you my personal hobby.

 

[LadyG]

Uh oh! Gotta watch them killer Canucks