Online Identity

During the end of class on Friday I was researching topics to talk about and I ran across an article titled "Online Identity and the concept of the mask." It is similar to the idea of false identity online, but I believe it is closer to the truth. I do not think that many people create profiles and online identities in the intention to falsley portray themselves. I do, however, believe that some people hide behind so called "masks." We discussed somewhat in class how it is easy for people to start arguments and be more brave online when they are hiding behind their computer screen. I know that I see this so much on Facebook. If anyone has a problem with someone they send that person a message through Facebook and they feel like a bigger person for it. I think it shows just how imature we can be. Back to the subject of falsley portraying oneself, I think that no matter if someone were to make a complete fake profile there would be something of themselves in it. An example portrayed in the article was of an individual acting like a rockstar online when, in reality he might not be one, but it does portray his interest in rock music. That person is just simply trying to hide behind the "mask." Overall, I really do believe that the computer is something to hide behind, something people can use to show their true identities or not, something that is constantly changing, but it is all simply up to the individual what he or she makes it out to be.