Internet forums are like being drunk

[Lootifer]

The most distinctive thing about being drunk is the lack of inhibitions; now I think this is very similar to what's observed on online chat/forums.

Think of a normal daily situation, then think about how that would play out on the internet, then think about how that would play out if the participants were drunk.

- One of your workmates annoys the crap out of you; you tend to subtly show your dislike indirectly
- On the internet you ruthlessly cut their ideas down, and if possible slip in a couple of choice personal insults
- Drunk at the work xmas party "f*ck steve you are SUCH a c**t"

[Haggis_McMutton]

So it's like being drunk in that you have less inhibitions but unlike being drunk in that you maintain full mental acuity?

Interesting, I think I agree.

Also this is why attempts to "remove the anonymity" from the internet annoy me.

[nagerous]

Quite astute points.


I like to reveal a slightly insane side of mine online that I keep locked up (unless stinking drunk which is half the time anyway) in the real world. In reality I am pretty quiet and reserved.

[Lootifer]

I think removing anonymity is a good thing but only if it's organic, forced removal of privacy is horribad. But if, for example, we all work to breakdown anonymity by being open (but informed - see: scams etc) then the interwebs would be a better place.

One other site which I spend some time on is the concept2 indoor rowing site, and that has an organic culture of openess (using first names, location isnt just a place to write something funny, etc) and I find it better in some respects (of course worse in others, sometimes being "drunk" is good for communication).

[ViperOverLord]

If not drunk__ a good buzz.

[KoolBak]

AND it produces headaches when indulged in too long. I like the simile ;o)

Although I can think of a lot of other positive benefits (is that redundant?) I derive from rye that I certainly do not get here.......

[Dukasaur]

Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Down.

Shroedinger's Catbox, not so much.

[BigBallinStalin]

Communicating ideas while being drunk or even sober to others, who would not immediately agree with your ideas, is much more difficult via verbal communication than via the Internet/written communication.

Some Internet users are like a talking book; in the real world, you almost only get that with PhDs, or people with 20+ years of experience in a particular realm of knowledge. The Internet allows a format with which one can coherently and concisely express themselves. I assume that most people in the real world can't do that as well as they can on the Internet.

While (hopefully) rationally arguing on the internet, you have more time to be precise, coherent, and informative. In verbal communication, emotions are more likely to derail the conversation, and slip-ups in speech can create misplaced criticism.


Therefore, I vote "kittens."

[pimpdave]

If not drunk__ a good buzz.

Whoa, slow down there slugger, you know you're only allowed to have half a glass of wine at Thanksgiving.

[Baron Von PWN]

Communicating ideas while being drunk or even sober to others, who would not immediately agree with your ideas, is much more difficult via verbal communication than via the Internet/written communication.

Some Internet users are like a talking book; in the real world, you almost only get that with PhDs, or people with 20+ years of experience in a particular realm of knowledge. The Internet allows a format with which one can coherently and concisely express themselves. I assume that most people in the real world can't do that as well as they can on the Internet.

While (hopefully) rationally arguing on the internet, you have more time to be precise, coherent, and informative. In verbal communication, emotions are more likely to derail the conversation, and slip-ups in speech can create misplaced criticism.


Therefore, I vote "kittens."

ho yeeag jen hjow come thisn neral;y intelihhylenmw?

[BigBallinStalin]

Communicating ideas while being drunk or even sober to others, who would not immediately agree with your ideas, is much more difficult via verbal communication than via the Internet/written communication.

Some Internet users are like a talking book; in the real world, you almost only get that with PhDs, or people with 20+ years of experience in a particular realm of knowledge. The Internet allows a format with which one can coherently and concisely express themselves. I assume that most people in the real world can't do that as well as they can on the Internet.

While (hopefully) rationally arguing on the internet, you have more time to be precise, coherent, and informative. In verbal communication, emotions are more likely to derail the conversation, and slip-ups in speech can create misplaced criticism.


Therefore, I vote "kittens."

ho yeeag jen hjow come thisn neral;y intelihhylenmw?

What'dya mean by "hearl;y"???

[natty dread]

I think removing anonymity is a good thing but only if it's organic, forced removal of privacy is horribad. But if, for example, we all work to breakdown anonymity by being open (but informed - see: scams etc) then the interwebs would be a better place.

One other site which I spend some time on is the concept2 indoor rowing site, and that has an organic culture of openess (using first names, location isnt just a place to write something funny, etc) and I find it better in some respects (of course worse in others, sometimes being "drunk" is good for communication).

So in other words, the way it currently is is perfect. The sites that want to have anonymity can have it, the sites that don't, can require names from users.

[Pedronicus]

I'm often drunk on this forum,

[saxitoxin]

I think removing anonymity is a good thing but only if it's organic, forced removal of privacy is horribad. But if, for example, we all work to breakdown anonymity by being open (but informed - see: scams etc) then the interwebs would be a better place.

Agree, L.

Everyone, please PM me your full name, DOB and 2 major credit card numbers (I need these for verification purposes only - please be sure to include the expiration date and 3 digit security code on the back of the card [4 digit code on the front if using American Express]). Once I have them all, I will identify everyone just to those people who submitted info. Happy to be the neutral facilitator on this one gang.

[Lootifer]

[AndyDufresne]

The most distinctive thing about being drunk is the lack of inhibitions; now I think this is very similar to what's observed on online chat/forums.

Think of a normal daily situation, then think about how that would play out on the internet, then think about how that would play out if the participants were drunk.

- One of your workmates annoys the crap out of you; you tend to subtly show your dislike indirectly
- On the internet you ruthlessly cut their ideas down, and if possible slip in a couple of choice personal insults
- Drunk at the work xmas party "f*ck steve you are SUCH a c**t"

This sounds like an excellent one-off opinion article for the newsletter! Maybe you should write something, and submit it, lootifer!


--Andy

[Lootifer]

Haha, pity im lazy as sin! Ill think about it...

[tkr4lf]

I would have to agree, to an extent.

IRL, if I'm drunk, I will say whatever pops into my head. On the forum, I will generally say most of what pops into my head, but I try to hold back most of the personal insults, if for no other reason then to avoid a ban. Forum bans are no good when you're running tournaments.


But, on the whole, yes, excellent observation!