Are Our Online Identities Really Who We Claim to Be?

  • Thread starter Thread starter eNtRopY
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AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the film "Being John Malkovich" as a metaphor for the voyeuristic nature of internet interactions. It raises questions about the authenticity of online personas, suggesting that individuals often exaggerate or embellish their identities to appear more heroic or appealing. The conversation explores whether digital communication tools, such as webcams and instant messaging, enhance genuine interaction or hinder it by promoting inauthenticity. While some argue that the internet can mask identities, it also provides a platform for personal expression, even if that expression is rooted in falsehoods. The dialogue reflects on the complexities of truth in online communication, emphasizing that even constructed identities stem from real experiences and emotions. The humorous interjections highlight the absurdity of online claims and the challenge of proving authenticity in a digital landscape.
eNtRopY
I believe the movie Being John Malkovich was a social commentary on the voyeuristic aspects associated with internet. Here we sit, talking to each through our computers, masked by the profiles we provide each other with. How much of what we write is 100% true? Do we exagerate, elaborate, overblemish the stories we tell each other? Do we make ourselves seem to be the heros we really wish we were? Are we living vicariously through our internet personas?

The movie Being John Malkovich showed us an extended metaphor of what we are really doing to ourselves. Webcams, instant messangers, and public forums... are they really helping us interact... or are discouraging us from being real?

eNtRopY
 
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Having faith in the lack of imagination of the majority, I reckon that the internet and forms of communication may mask our identity in some ways, but it allows the development and exposure of our personality in others. Even when living and being a lie, the lie must come from somewhere, and must change you. Talking cannot be a bad thing - if we dream, we dream together?

Alternatively, Zero could be GWB in disguise, Alexander could be the Pope, Tom could be Saddam...
 
Hey, I actually am Mr. Robin Parsons, no it's true!, I am him, I' tellin ya, it is the truth, my mom gave me my username, it's true I'm telling ya! I'm NOT lieing! I'm NOT! really really really really really the truth!

(but none of you can prove it, so...)


(please pardon my <sorta sick> sense of humor...ok?)

EDIT actually I sort of lied, cause my Mom gave me the first part of my username, my Dad gave me the last part. (And even that line can be construed as a "partiallity of truth")
 
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