Does the Internet allow for more honesty?

Question

Inspired by a question I just answered, my opinion. Thoughts?

Most people are strange, but the internet gives them an anonymous platform to shed some of their costumes and let their weirdness out for a trial run.

People are scared to not conform to cultural norms, to stand out from the crowd defies ingrained survival instinct. On the internet though, our “handles” are disposable. If the exposed feeling or thought proves to be unwelcome or unacceptable, the person can disappear safely.

I would argue that the internet has a higher propensity to share true feelings and reality than any in-person event. Especially in a crowd.

Does the Internet allow for more honesty?

MiddleAgedClimbee · Accepted Answer

I think I'm in agreement with you. The ability to hide behind a veil should allow someone to be more honest about certain topics. They don't feel comfortable discussing with others in person.
I certainly ask questions on this platform that have no relative value when asking somebody I already know. You can put your thoughts here and perhaps give a complete stranger something new to think about that you have already addressed within your own life.

NaultD · Accepted Answer

On the internet but that's not the entirety of how we coexist. Don't get me wrong internet is a powerful connection but a 10 year internet best friend does change meeting IRL for the first.

The internet is formless away from social norms but equally shallow. The social norms do create expectations but create depth and meaning with said expectations.

I think we can respect both and even partake in both but don't expect one to fulfill the other rolls.

IslaTheWitch · Accepted Answer

The Internet allows a lot of things.

Being honest is only one perspective.

Anonymity lets people create their own image, quite often totally different than they present irl. Sometimes, people want to be better and more righteous. Sometimes, they want to unleash their dark fantasies. And sometimes they just want to shed their masks and be themselves.

Just_Kamy · Accepted Answer

Honest is only part of what anonymity on the internet encourages people to do, as most of the time there are no consequences for their actions, more than honesty I would say that people tends to be hurtful and less empathetic

WindAtMyBack · Answer

To some degree, yes. To a different degree, it's the opposite.

Yes because it anonymous which might overcome shyness, embarrassment, or social taboos.

Just the opposite, because there are far less consequences to what people say. Trolls are a good example. You can't get by with that shit in real life.

NathanDavis · Answer

in a way, yes...

I am definitely more open with a few things on this forum... and would reach and share about topics that are not exactly the kind of things I'd talk with during family dinner for example... lol

but I would not say that I am more or less honest here or there... but the "anonymity" to a certain level for me and those who I interact with here, makes it easier to to expand and explore on certain topics

wiltingrosepetal · Answer

Now people can say whatever comes to their minds, voicing opinions that would be considered tabboo in their circles

strateguy632 · Answer

of course not. every facebook group has managers censoring and hiding for agenda. facebook company policy admin and others punish anything about gay, so we can't be honest.

loveslongnails · Answer

It allows for both ends of the spectrum. Being anonymous allows you to be brutally truthful with anyone, or to be as disingenuous and dishonest as you want to be.

iFarted · Answer

Yes for some and no at the same time.

Some people live a fantasy life through the internet while others who suffer from anxiety use it as an outlet to express themselves.

Then there's the keyboard warriors...

OddBeMe · Answer

I do, unfortunately, think online there’s more honesty when anonymized. Sometimes you see a lot of caring like here with people’s problems. Other times I see a lot of hatred. And not even toward me, which did be fine at. It’s how I masturbate. But racism and putrid Trump shit. It’s tough.

Orangekiss · Answer

Half the stuff people say here is probably bull shit, so it is more likely that honesty is lacking.

Nikki1989 · Answer

Yes and No. People can be whoever they want to be, so it is not always honest.

Kudos4U · Answer

It amplifies both honesty and dishonesty, by allowing people to feel hidden from the consequences of either.

Daniela1982 · Answer

Not much I'm afraid with all the scammers on it.

goaded · Answer

Yes. Unfortunately, they're the people who would previously stayed under their bridges.

Jersey2 · Answer

Its true. But less than 500,000 people with a weird fetish like cucking can make it seem like its pervasive when it is not. They just post all the time and unfortunately others try it and it ruins their lives.

Altheavas · Answer

To extinct! but mostly no! It may allow people to reveal their unfiltered self, but not necessarily honest.

TenderFantasy · Answer

Of course. I've known that since the dawn of it. You're only figuring this out now? You're older than I.

Drumlin2001 · Answer

Yeah. I'm far more honest on GAG then other platforms, because it's anon.

Anonymous · Answer

It allows if people are inclined to be honest which most of the time they're not.

Does the Internet allow for more honesty?

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