wearing blinders

• Hi there lurkers! by John Suler, 7/26/97
  • To lurk, or not to lurk... by Somer, 10/27/97
    • re: to lurk or not/seeing the person by John Suler, 10/27/97
      
      

John, thank you for that welcome.

I agree that it would be ideal if people were willing to "see" the real person. However, being somewhat realistic, I do not foresee this happening in the near future. People today tend to see a more narrow view and often make judgments based on "first impressions". Perhaps the internet will teach us how to not make snap decisions about a person without getting to know them better.

Hooker made some interesting comments in his/her post. I see my computer as a tool, much like the telephone is a tool. However, I never doubt that the person on the other end of the phone is "real" why should I doubt the "reality" of the person on the other end of the computer? You can no more manipulate people online than you can in the real world (that is to say, no more than they will let you). My work has required me to communicate with people around the world via the phone or email. When I do finally met them in person, it's like I just discovered another dimension to the person I have already gotten to know through other means. I often feel that I do know them already.

I think Hooker is perhaps correct in stating that age (or at least familiarity with the internet) is a important factor. Some of the younger people I have come in contact with have no difficulties seeing their online friends as real. They know they are talking to another person, not Big Blue or some other AI.

• re: blinders and real people by John Suler, 10/29/97