Online vs. Offline Personalities

Have you ever met someone on a social network, who seemed really awesome, fun, interactive and heavily extroverted, then to discover the complete opposite when you meet them in an offline (real-life) setting? It has definitely happened to me and I couldn’t help but wonder why.

I think one explanation behind this seemingly complex phenomenon lies with one’s comfort in an online setting. It’s quite easy to just be 100% confident because he/she is not actually standing in front of someone, and has time to think to respond. He/she may not necessarily have distinct offline and online personalities, rather just an appearance of that because of issues related to self-confidence and self-esteem.

Another possible explanation could be that one is projecting the personality type he/she would like to have. It is so much easier to enact that personality online because this person is hidden; body language can’t be read, facial expression can’t be seen and intonation can’t be discriminated.

Regardless of the motivating factor/s behind these online vs offline personalities, it is something I find of particular interest. More and more we see just how much psychology is involved in technology and vice versa.

Comments

  1. Unknown3 April 2017 at 18:55

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  2. Unknown3 April 2017 at 19:07

    I love this blog. I could relate to this because I'm more tough during online interactions than in person. I couldn't agree more that you get to hide behind the computer screen and nobody can decipher your body language or how you are truly feeling.

    It reminds me of a movie "The Perfect Stranger" starring Halle Berry. In that movie she is communicating to a stranger online but she changes her online personality to her advantage because of the lack of face to face interaction.

    I'd be honest though , I prefer face to face interaction, even if it's a video call , makes me feel more connected. Great blog !

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  3. Kho_kho.princess7 April 2017 at 14:28

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  4. Kho_kho.princess7 April 2017 at 14:29

    omg!! I started this blog and i swear it spoke to me. Meaning that I am the opposite when I am online to in person. I feel a sense a security when I am on the other side of the monitor. I could behave in any way I please and don't give a care cause the other person will never know.
    Great blog!

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  5. Jodie H8 April 2017 at 08:14

    I believe it more of a confidence and self esteem thing, when it comes to online vs. offline personality. Some may feel like they can really be themselves online, compared to offline/face to face interactions, which can be challenging if you suffer from lack of confidence and low self esteem. Online will likely provide that comfort for those persons where offline will cause them to shut down..

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  6. PabloUnleashed8 April 2017 at 21:11

    Yo this is right on point!! However for me, i tend to be more amusing and interactive online than in person. Based on the person you're speaking to face-to-face, the convo can get awkward with no means of escape. However, online, as you mentioned, you have time to think and re-route your approach to the discussion.

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