Is the Internet a Safe Space for New Users?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Flowermyface
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experience of new users joining the Physics Forums community, particularly focusing on the welcoming nature of the platform and the interactions that occur among members. It includes elements of social dynamics, humor, and the challenges faced by newcomers in navigating online spaces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a welcoming attitude towards new users, emphasizing that they will not be picked on.
  • Others suggest that light-hearted teasing may occur, but it is intended as friendly social interaction rather than bullying.
  • A few members mention the importance of understanding the community's culture and rules, indicating that newcomers should feel free to ask for help if needed.
  • There are playful exchanges about avatars and humorous references to "fish-whapping," which seem to be part of the community's inside jokes.
  • One participant notes that everyone was new at some point, reinforcing the idea of community support for newcomers.
  • Some comments reflect on the nature of online interactions and the potential for misunderstandings, suggesting that newcomers should communicate their comfort levels with humor or teasing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the welcoming nature of the community, but there are varying opinions on the appropriateness and intent behind playful teasing. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved regarding how newcomers might perceive these interactions.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific community norms and humor that may not be fully understood by newcomers, indicating a potential gap in understanding for those unfamiliar with the culture of the forum.

Who May Find This Useful

New users of online forums, particularly those interested in STEM topics, may find this discussion useful for understanding community dynamics and the importance of communication in online interactions.

Flowermyface
this place is neat i have some friends on this site and they said nobody will pick on me here I am quiet and listen. i joined elsewhere and they told me i was a newbie and posted in the wrong area sorry guys i am learning. be nice to me and I am sure i can help you somehow thank you

im slowing understanding i never had internet my whole life because my dad was against computers now that I am out of the house HAH he can't stop me now
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to the world wide web... {and all its failures.. lol}

.. but most of all, welcome to PF !
 
Welcome FlowermyFace!
 
Welcome to PF. Although you did post in the wrong area, that has been corrected and you've been moved to the right area for an intro post. :wink:

Take your time, peruse what is available here and jump in when you're ready. You'll catch on in no time.

Now, the only thing you need to consider carefully is what kind of fish you like best. :biggrin:
 
Moonbear said:
Now, the only thing you need to consider carefully is what kind of fish you like best. :biggrin:

:biggrin: Yes! Bring a goldfish! :biggrin:​
 
tiny-tim said:
:biggrin: Yes! Bring a goldfish! :biggrin:​

:smile: I love your avatar, tiny-tim! :biggrin:
 
Welcome Flowermyface!

Does this mean people have to get whacked with tiny-tim now?
 
Welcome to PF, Flowermyface.
You're correct that no one here will pick on you. Some of us might occassionally poke a bit of fun at you in GD, but it's meant only as a form of social interaction. If anything ever offends you, just PM the person involved and explain that you're not comfortable with it. For instance, you're about to get 'fish-whapped' big-time. Just grit your teeth and take it like a man, or woman, or whatever else you might be. :biggrin:

edit: Kurdt... owww... Methinks he'll be changing that avatar poste-haste.
 
Kurdt said:
Welcome Flowermyface!

Does this mean people have to get whacked with tiny-tim now?

:smile: If tiny-tim has a fondness for whacking people, I think we have a position for him at the Genco Olive Oil company. :wink:
 
  • #10
Moonbear said:
we have a position for him at the Genco Olive Oil company. :wink:

Now you know, of course, that you're going to have to put up a link to that thread. Just when we thought that it was safe to go back into GD... :rolleyes:
 
  • #11
  • #12
Welcome Flowermyface, make yourself comfortable, and always keep in mind, everyone here was new at one time.
You had to read the rules when you signed up, if something is unclear, I am sure one of the Mentors will help you out. They are a great bunch of people. And no matter what kind of fish you like, just a word of advise, make sure you say fresh, not frozen.
 
  • #13
Welcome!
 
  • #14
… fishy welcome …

Welcome Flowermyface! :smile:

Now you have to learn the fish-slapping dance:

Moonbear said:
:smile: I love your avatar, tiny-tim! :biggrin:

Hi Moonbear! :smile:
:smile: Being a goldfish is fun ! :smile:​

(I got mine from http://www.cerocscotland.com …

they have loads of wonderful avatars … smurfs … pop-up toasters … gorillas …

just look at any thread at random … ! :smile: )
Moonbear said:
:smile: If tiny-tim has a fondness for whacking people, I think we have a position for him at the Genco Olive Oil company. :wink:

hmm … https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=67772 …

Trouble is, I might whack the wrong person …
:smile: … you know what my memory is like … ! :smile:​

:smile: Preserve the bowliverse!​
 
  • #15
The amish are highly under represented here.
 
  • #16
I sent you a private message, Flowermyface. At the top right of the page if you are logged in it says Welcome and "Private Messages."
 

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