Q:1). Some critics (Van Gelder, 1991, Stone, 1996) of online communities
believe that there is greater potential for deceit in online
relationships than in face-to-face ones. They point out that in online
relationships, people may misrepresent their appearance, sex, sexual
orientation, and so forth. Do you think it is ethical for people to
represent themselves inaccurately? Do you think that deception is more
likely in online than in face-to-face interaction, or are different
kinds of deception equally likely in the two kinds of interaction?
A: I do not think that it is ethical for people to conjure up a online identity. By falsely providing information they are creating a person whom does not exist. Most times when on the internet we provide true information because the truth is always easier than spreading false lies. However, some people choose to conceal their true identity and create an online self whom they can be and are proud of. They then disconnect from the real world and play out their live virtually. Deception is most commonly found online because they other person can only take your word for everything you say. Versus, if you were face to face with someone their body language and the way they act can sometimes give away if they are telling the truth or not. Of course, some have trained their body to not gives signals which they are lying. But, in the end, the truth will spew out in real life.
Most of the social medias, like Facebook, MySpace, and twitters are where you may find most of the lies people tell about them self. I agree with you on the fact that it is unethical for people to put false image of themselves online. I think most people that do such, are either, not confident in themselves or lack the ability to have a real and decent relationship with others. Most time people just don’t want their information to be all out on line, because of the fear of being stacked up with rumors or false image about them. I like to keep it open, and straight, anytime, am online.
ReplyDeleteThe internet provides a barrier that helps people hide themselves from others. I know many people that are insecure about their image but if they would just be themselves since the beginning, there wouldn't be this hectic life of keeping up lies. We all talk about deception is bad but i'm sure all of us have "deceived" people for our true identity in some way. It isn't right for us to do things like this but our social life is so dependent on how others perceive us that some of us become desperate. I'm not defending the view that deceiving people is ethical but that we should remember that in some situations a lot of us would do the same.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your post! I think it's unethical for people to create a false identity for themselves. First of all, it's sad that people feel they have to be someone else in order to function in society. People should be proud of who they are and not feel the need to be deceitful. Furthermore, I think the internet provides greater opportunity and enticement for people to lie about themselves. It's easy to hide behind a computer screen and create an identity all your own. That's how online predators do it. You can be anyone you want to be online because the friends you make via social networking sites wouldn't know the difference if they haven't met you in person.
ReplyDeletePeople use a lot of social networks and usually put false identity in their bio and basic information just to try to get attention. I agree with you that it is unethical for people to put up or create false identities. Many people are insecure usually so they lie or at times people lie because there are creeper out there ready to stalk and what not. It is sad thing that people do this but there are a lot of these types of people out there. People just have to accept who they are and be proud of themselves and not hide behind a screen creating fake identities.
ReplyDeleteI believe in the last statement you made in that truth will reveal itself in the end. Whether a person is building themselves up for who they are not, portraying a false image, or lying about their appearance or character--all of these exemplify low self-esteem, no self-worth and zero confidence. Every person is born with a flaw, but it takes a strong individual to be comfortable in their own skin and to work with what you've got to be the person you are. Although there will for sure be times you have insecurities, it doesn’t mean you have to lie or create a different you. Social media and the tabloids have torn apart our image and what is considered “normal” in young adults; but we have to stand up for ourselves, our peers, and our future generation and fight against the "norms" we see on a daily basis, and stand up for what is right—be yourself and nothing less.
ReplyDelete