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| Coming together |
The perceived anonymity of social media allows people to feel more comfortable saying what they want to say to everyone who will read it such as with the ethos behind the hacker and social justice groups, sometimes known as “hackitivist”. The idea behind these social groups are to make ideas greater than the people who have them. In many social settings online, users can drop notions of class and create an even playing field for the discussions and debates of ideas. Opinions are heard equally throughout the web for anyone willing to pay attention allowing for an open source of ideas to flow and people to help each other grow ideas without the issues of worry of what people in their work and family circles will think about them.
Anonymity, like most things on the internet, allows people to make real connections with others that would not happen in face-to-face interactions. Ideas and hidden beliefs that are considered shameful and taboo in many communities are embraced openly online. Freedom to speak openly creates healthy dialog that can break down social barriers and create understand and self-awareness that could not have been expressed before. A 30-something anime enthusiast now has others around with whom he can share his interest. A hopeful fan fiction writer can share their ideas in a place with others just like them to find a creative outlet.
Victims of abuse often are not comfortable enough to open up to even their closest family and friends. Many anonymous forums allow people to go into detail about events that have taken place. Places such as this have become a safe haven for abuse victims. This is an amazing tool for people learning to grasp the horrors of traumatic events.
Then there are the heated topics. Abortion, sex and political, movements have been fueled by the internet’s ability to give people surface anonymity. Bullying and double standards have no grip within these communities and allow people open discussion their views on sensitive topics without fear of judgment.
What I find the most interesting is how people are able to reach out to one and bond with connections far beyond the psychical without the use of non-verbal cues that encompass most of what people see as communication.
On the topic of the last paragraph, my opinion on the far reaches of bonding through non-physical interaction can be debated with the example of playing a MMORPG. By removing the stereotypes that our physical appearances give to others allows the individual to project their own desires onto others quite easily.
ReplyDeleteIt could be the reason why many players that choose girl avatars are Guys In Real Life. :P