The changing times...

[Forge3]

I may be wrong but it seems life was more simple when I was growing up. The computer age (early 80s) was an advance on technology but we communicate more and connect less.

[ArchAngel'73]

I don't understand you.




























:p

[djflex]

Ironic that you post this question on a internet forum

[Runic]

Ironic that you post this question on a internet forum

I thought the same thing.

[-=FLEX=-]

How comes a guy that was a former moderator on this site always posts off-topic stuff in this section?











SRS

[IronCharles]

How comes a guy that was a former moderator on this site always posts off-topic stuff in this section?











SRSMaybe that's why he's a former moderator?

[mslman71]

I may be wrong but it seems life was more simple when I was growing up. I wonder that the computer age (early 80s) was an advance on technology but correct me if I am wrong it seems like we communicate more but connect less.

No, I think you were more simple when you were growing up. And there is simply more communication now and therefore less significance is attached to each individual act of it. No better, no worse.




amidoingitright?

[AlbinoGerbil]

How comes a guy that was a former moderator on this site always posts off-topic stuff in this section?


SRS

Interestingly enough this is the miscellaneous area of the OV35 section. As such, nothing here qualifies as off topic.



IronCharles,

Forge stepped down voluntarily, as many do when life gets busy.

[-=FLEX=-]

Interestingly enough this is the miscellaneous area of the OV35 section. As such, nothing here qualifies as off topic.



I am aware.

It was moved from the regular O35 after I posted. The redirect is still there. :)

[Karl_Hungus]

I think Forge3 may have a point -- technology allows for more efficient and simple communication, but, the limited nature of the communication medium creates superficial connections among people....and sometimes these occur at the expense of real life interactions.

This board is a good example. I communicate with dozens of people here over the course of a week or a month, yet most of you are little more than random names to me. I assess personality and characteristics to each name based on the content of your posts .... yet, in many cases, those assessments are oversimplified, and may be completely wrong.

[AlbinoGerbil]

I am aware.

It was moved from the regular O35 after I posted. The redirect is still there. :)

Fair enough.

Was unaware of the redirect.

[Rdez]

I may be wrong but it seems life was more simple when I was growing up. I wonder that the computer age (early 80s) was an advance on technology but correct me if I am wrong it seems like we communicate more but connect less.

You are correct.

The internet age and gadget age is dehumanizing each new generation at an alarming rate.

Empathy is disappearing in our culture as a result, and this is what allows for such acts of brutality, savagery, bullying, and apathy.

[IronCharles]

The internet age and gadget age is dehumanizing each new generation at an alarming rate..And yet, at no time in history has so much information, and so much access to interaction with other human beings existed. If you were born on a rural farm in the midwest in the early 1800's, you'd be lucky to meet a couple hundred people in your lifetime. But you can interact with that many in a day with the current technology.

[HoustonTXMuscle]

And yet, at no time in history has so much information, and so much access to interaction with other human beings existed. If you were born on a rural farm in the midwest in the early 1800's, you'd be lucky to meet a couple hundred people in your lifetime. But you can interact with that many in a day with the current technology.

While I agree with you for the most part, can't help but wonder how many of those "interactions" (short text msg, idle chit-chat, etc.) are essentially superficial and meaningless.

[IronCharles]

While I agree with you for the most part, can't help but wonder how many of those "interactions" (short text msg, idle chit-chat, etc.) are essentially superficial and meaningless.

Hard to say. That's why it's pointless to worry about "how things used to be", because there's nothing we can do to alter the past. We should be focusing on how to best make use of what's available to us today.

[Corbi]

While I agree with you for the most part, can't help but wonder how many of those "interactions" (short text msg, idle chit-chat, etc.) are essentially superficial and meaningless.

<<<<Sad at being labeled superficial and meaningless:(

[Brackneyc]

While I agree with you for the most part, can't help but wonder how many of those "interactions" (short text msg, idle chit-chat, etc.) are essentially superficial and meaningless.

Probably no more so than many of the face to face interactions most of us have on a daily basis...How much time/interest do we invest in the thoughts and feelings of most people we come into contact with everyday, beyond our friends and family...

Biggest difference I see with technology is the willingness, almost eagerness... to be mean to each other....

[Corbi]

How much time/interest do we invest in the thoughts and feelings of most people we come into contact with everyday, beyond our friends and family...



Pretty much close to zero for myself. My wife will introduce me to someone she works with if we are out and about, I could not possibly care less about that person and who or what they are.

[Forge3]

Ironic that you post this question on a internet forum

Edited post...

[Forge3]

You are correct.

The internet age and gadget age is dehumanizing each new generation at an alarming rate.

Empathy is disappearing in our culture as a result, and this is what allows for such acts of brutality, savagery, bullying, and apathy.

Another confirmation for me.

[fitmom43]

Biggest difference I see with technology is the willingness, almost eagerness... to be mean to each other....

I could not agree with your statement more Craig. Technology has taken away the fine art of communicating and thrown it out the window, along with the proper etiquette that goes along with it. When communicating with individuals face to face we tend to have a filter on what we say, plus I also believe that when you are looking into someone's eyes it is difficult to say mean things because the result of your words will be evident for you to see. It is so much easier to say mean things when you are not looking at the person directly.

Besides the fact that a computer screen now allows people to behave in a manner they would never dream of in real life. Take for example texting, it has taken the art of writing to a simple 3-4 letter words, where it is filtering through other areas like emails and letter writing.

It's taking away the beauty of the written word in books, to the point that now mom and pop bookstores are becoming extinct, because of the Kindle or other reading devices. I still do not own one of them because to me (yes I'm old fashioned) you can not replace the feel, texture, yes even the smell of books.

I feel technology is a necessary evil, I am just as guilty as anyone else because I am so hooked up that at times it becomes difficult to unhook LOL But I also love when I can meet a friend face to face at a cafe and just talk, or interact with parents at youth events, or just go away and leave behind, my laptop and cell phones and iPad.

Okay just my .02 :)

[mslman71]

... and this is what allows for such acts of brutality, savagery, bullying, and apathy.

All of recorded history is loaded with massive wide-scale acts of brutality and savagery.

[-=FLEX=-]

I could not agree with your statement more Craig. Technology has taken away the fine art of communicating and thrown it out the window, along with the proper etiquette that goes along with it. When communicating with individuals face to face we tend to have a filter on what we say, plus I also believe that when you are looking into someone's eyes it is difficult to say mean things because the result of your words will be evident for you to see. It is so much easier to say mean things when you are not looking at the person directly.

I wouldn't say anything online that I wouldn't say in person.

And I actually think I am more articulate in writing than verbally in most instances.

And I could look someone right in the eye and say something perfectly nasty if I was so inclined.

:)

[Forge3]

I could not agree with your statement more Craig. Technology has taken away the fine art of communicating and thrown it out the window, along with the proper etiquette that goes along with it. When communicating with individuals face to face we tend to have a filter on what we say, plus I also believe that when you are looking into someone's eyes it is difficult to say mean things because the result of your words will be evident for you to see. It is so much easier to say mean things when you are not looking at the person directly.

Besides the fact that a computer screen now allows people to behave in a manner they would never dream of in real life. Take for example texting, it has taken the art of writing to a simple 3-4 letter words, where it is filtering through other areas like emails and letter writing.

It's taking away the beauty of the written word in books, to the point that now mom and pop bookstores are becoming extinct, because of the Kindle or other reading devices. I still do not own one of them because to me (yes I'm old fashioned) you can not replace the feel, texture, yes even the smell of books.

I feel technology is a necessary evil, I am just as guilty as anyone else because I am so hooked up that at times it becomes difficult to unhook LOL But I also love when I can meet a friend face to face at a cafe and just talk, or interact with parents at youth events, or just go away and leave behind, my laptop and cell phones and iPad.

Okay just my .02 :)

Hmm that is pretty smart...

[desslok]

I could write a script that would automatically post random thoughts like this.

[fitmom43]

Hmm that is pretty smart...

Thank you Forge ;) I hope you are doing well and enjoying your 4th of July :)

[Forge3]

Thank you Forge ;) I hope you are doing well and enjoying your 4th of July :)

I'm ok. :)

[cowboybiker]

I say more face to face.

typingskill/6

[Corbi]

All of recorded history is loaded with massive wide-scale acts of brutality and savagery.

Very true, look at what happened during the middle ages. Absolutely barbaric fighting was the norm and makes a lot of what we do now days seem somehow civilized.

[joestrom2002]

I wouldn't say anything online that I wouldn't say in person.

And I actually think I am more articulate in writing than verbally in most instances.

And I could look someone right in the eye and say something perfectly nasty if I was so inclined.

:)

I was thinking would flex be an ass hole in person ? Thanks now I know.:)

[IronCharles]

I was thinking would flex be an ass hole in person ? Thanks now I know.:)

Rather have somebody be an ******* to my face, than glad-hand me with a smile and then stab me in the back.

I have more respect for people who are what they portray themselves to be, than for people who put up a deceitful front.

[-=FLEX=-]

I was thinking would flex be an ass hole in person ? Thanks now I know.:)

lmao

Now you know. :)

[bodyhard]

The more things change the more they stay the same, go with the flow and you wont worry so freaking much.

[cowboybiker]

The only thing consistent in life is change.

[joestrom2002]

lmao

Now you know. :)

Excellent answer.Honesty can't beat it.

[righter]

I don't know if the original premise is very accurate for me: communicating more and connecting less. There have been very few people in life that I've truly "connected" with, period. Maybe I'm missing a circuit or something? Cause this "connection" thing is a pretty rare gem for me. Some people are around for a season or a reason and others are lifers. The lifers are few and far in between. That has been my experience, anyway.

As far as my behavior goes, I'm probably more courteous IRL than I am online. It's just easier to detach from people because they are not in front of you, but for the most part, I just am who I am. It's a full-time job just being myself. I don't have the energy for multiple personalities.

[Forge3]

The more things change the more they stay the same, go with the flow and you wont worry so freaking much.

I am not a worrier I am a warrior. Just pointing things out :)

[chodan9]

I'm not much different irl than here
I have always found it easy to communicate and rarely get confrontational, but I don't shy away from it either, it has gotten me in hot water several times in my life.
I communicate well but I don't make many "connections" so when I do I tend to place a higher value on them.

[Forge3]

I'm not much different irl than here
I have always found it easy to communicate and rarely get confrontational, but I don't shy away from it either, it has gotten me in hot water several times in my life.
I communicate well but I don't make many "connections" so when I do I tend to place a higher value on them.

I know you have heard the word paradise at least once. Do you know what it means from the Latin roots? Must people don't. Para (beyond/above) dise (to separate) Paradise simply means beyond separation. That comforts me.

[fitmom43]

I'm not much different irl than here
I have always found it easy to communicate and rarely get confrontational, but I don't shy away from it either, it has gotten me in hot water several times in my life.
I communicate well but I don't make many "connections" so when I do I tend to place a higher value on them.

I am the same way as you, how I portray myself on here, is what I am like in real life, I have met quite a few people from here and they can vouch for that. I am communicator, and have been told several times by a very good friend that I need to stop that, I sometimes communicate to much LOL But all joking aside, I do not connect with many people on a personal level. I can count on one hand the amount of people I have in my personal life that know every aspect of it. I am very private with my thoughts and aspirations and sometimes that comes across as snobbish but in reality it's just issues with trust and insecurities.

[Forge3]

I am the same way as you, how I portray myself on here, is what I am like in real life, I have met quite a few people from here and they can vouch for that. I am communicator, and have been told several times by a very good friend that I need to stop that, I sometimes communicate to much LOL But all joking aside, I do not connect with many people on a personal level. I can count on one hand the amount of people I have in my personal life that know every aspect of it. I am very private with my thoughts and aspirations and sometimes that comes across as snobbish but in reality it's just issues with trust and insecurities.

May I ask you a question?

[fitmom43]

May I ask you a question?

Of course you can Forge :)

[Forge3]

Of course you can Forge :)

Oh you are offline now lol...well when you wake up log in. You seem to have things together in your communication skills. I have worked on this as well. Oh the question? Do you find yourself living in your heart or head more. Head: intellect, ideas, words and symbols. Heart: creativity, feelings, intuition (inner teacher), dreams?. Lol I am writing a book on this topic.

[fitmom43]

Oh you are offline now lol...well when you wake up log in. You seem to have things together in your communication skills. I have worked on this as well. Oh the question? Do you find yourself living in your heart or head more. Head: intellect, ideas, words and symbols. Heart: creativity, feelings, intuition (inner teacher), dreams?. Lol I am writing a book on this topic.

No I am online just multi tasking LOL

To answer your question I live more in my head than my heart.

[*STEVE*]

I was thinking would flex be an ass hole in person ? Thanks now I know.:)

this ^ is full of win !!!


Rather have somebody be an ******* to my face, than glad-hand me with a smile and then stab me in the back.

I have more respect for people who are what they portray themselves to be, than for people who put up a deceitful front.

this ^ x 2


The more things change the more they stay the same, go with the flow and you wont worry so freaking much.

and this ^

[Forge3]

No I am online just multi tasking LOL

To answer your question I live more in my head than my heart.

Good self-awareness question though. Lol I used to live in my head a lot. When I was a monk that was apparently my greatest fault. I have moved into my heart and it just seems more spacious because I also took my head there.I will only say this once never again. Some will understand don't worry I am not melancholy. When a person moves into their heart it is the same thing as reliving childhood again. At least for a time. You see fitmom it is not about giving the shirt off my back for a stranger. I am also the stranger (no separation). Sorry If I am getting really deep. But I made myself a promise :)

[gbg]

I was thinking would flex be an ass hole in person ? Thanks now I know.:)
Quote is full of win.
On spread.

Good self-awareness question though. Lol I used to live in my head a lot. When I was a monk that was apparently my greatest fault. I have moved into my heart and it just seems more spacious because I also took my head there.I will only say this once never again. Some will understand don't worry I am not melancholy. When a person moves into their heart it is the same thing as reliving childhood again. At least for a time. You see fitmom it is not about giving the shirt off my back for a stranger. I am also the stranger (no separation). Sorry If I am getting really deep. But I made myself a promise :)
I find this interesting Forge, and I think I know what you're talking about but I'm not sure :)

I have a love hate relationship with the Internet, I love it because it makes researching things so easy.
I hate it because it can get in the way of physical interaction with people and that's just not healthy.

[Whiskeyjack]

I don't know if the original premise is very accurate for me: communicating more and connecting less. There have been very few people in life that I've truly "connected" with, period. Maybe I'm missing a circuit or something? Cause this "connection" thing is a pretty rare gem for me. Some people are around for a season or a reason and others are lifers. The lifers are few and far in between. That has been my experience, anyway.

As far as my behavior goes, I'm
probably more courteous IRL than I am
online. It's just easier to detach from
people because they are not in front of
you, but for the most part, I just am
who I am. It's a full-time job just being
myself. I don't have the energy for
multiple personalities.

Could it be that the connection is missing because of the detachment inherent in the media?

[discdoggie]

This board is a good example. I communicate with dozens of people here over the course of a week or a month, yet most of you are little more than random names to me.

:(. Say it ain't so, karl!

[cozener]

I don't think we can deny it, things have certainly changed. When I was a kid I had a whole lot more freedom than my kids do. I was thinking about it this past weekend. I was at the beach with my family and I was remembering how when I was my oldest son's age I could walk up and down the beach unattended, swim in the ocean, walk back to the hotel room...just me or with a same age kid whose family we vacationed with. I could hop on my bike and ride it to the pool in my neighborhood by myself and it was a good mile away on the other side of the subdivision we lived in. Often as not my friends and I walked there. We could be gone from the house all day just stopping by for lunch. Then after dinner we be going out again with instructions to stay close to the house, not because it was unsafe to be out after dark but so we could hear our parents calling for us when it was time to come in.
On Halloween we trick or treated without our parents following us around. They stayed home while we roamed the neighborhood.

But as far as communication goes, well, in a way we're communicating a lot more. It's "face time" that we're lacking. Before internet forums if you wanted to talk to people with the same interests as you you pretty much has to join a club of some kind and, depending on what those interests are you might not find a club at all. These days if you have an interest in exercise, gardening, Tolkien, birdwatching, naked volleyball, whatever, you can chat with like minded folks on the net.

But...

People email to much. People sitting right next to me at work email me when they could just walk over and have a conversation (in some cases they can just stand up and say my name to get my attention and start speaking). No one writes letters any more. Your woman can't spray a bit of her perfume onto an email and send it off like she can a letter. You can't laugh about your anal retentive friends perfectly crafted cursive as you read about what's happening in his well ordered little life. When you hold those letters youre holding something you can keep, a little piece of that person that you can treasure. Emails just get deleted.

So yeah, we're certainly trading some good things away...no doubt.

[righter]

Could it be that the connection is missing because of the detachment inherent in the media?

No, I don't believe that is it. I've made a few strong connections with people online and a few offline. I just think there are maybe different levels of connection, and this phenomena of connection is rare, but also more fluid than an "all or nothing" situation. I may have "connections" with several people for several different reasons, with the bonds of each having a different level of strength.

The strongest "connections," for me, almost feel supernatural. It's as if there's this mysterious X factor woven into the fabric of the bond. Often, I don't know why I'm drawn to this person or why they're drawn to me. These connections cannot be forced or manufactured. They are utterly spontaneous, childishly magical.

But just because I don't have that level of "connection' with everyone doesn't mean I have no connection with them at all. I still can care very much for them, love them, and have a deep affection and compassion for them, even if there's no X factor.

If that makes any sense ...


lol

:D

[whatevergirl]

People email to much. People sitting right next to me at work email me when they could just walk over and have a conversation (in some cases they can just stand up and say my name to get my attention and start speaking).

That's me :eek:

Wait...do we work together? lol

I think the internet is great for many things...the initial intent wasn't to replace human interaction, and life offline.

The guy I'm seeing has asked me to minimize my time on here, and I agreed with him. :o

I stayed off for a few days, and feel it was really good for me. It's easy to get hooked to facebook (I don't have it, but hear it's addicting), myspace, message boards, etc...I think if you can find a healthy balance, that's key. Everything in moderation, right? :)

[-=FLEX=-]

I don't think we can deny it, things have certainly changed. When I was a kid I had a whole lot more freedom than my kids do. I was thinking about it this past weekend. I was at the beach with my family and I was remembering how when I was my oldest son's age I could walk up and down the beach unattended, swim in the ocean, walk back to the hotel room...just me or with a same age kid whose family we vacationed with. I could hop on my bike and ride it to the pool in my neighborhood by myself and it was a good mile away on the other side of the subdivision we lived in. Often as not my friends and I walked there. We could be gone from the house all day just stopping by for lunch. Then after dinner we be going out again with instructions to stay close to the house, not because it was unsafe to be out after dark but so we could hear our parents calling for us when it was time to come in.
On Halloween we trick or treated without our parents following us around. They stayed home while we roamed the neighborhood.

Yep to all of this. ^^^ Same when I was growing up. As a child In the summer I'd leave on my bike and often be gone all day. I rode my bike by myself to piano lessons and dentist appointments, and even took the train into downtown Toronto on my own.


Emails just get deleted.

I have every e-mail that Lisa has sent me to my personal address since we first met.

100% SRS

The ones she sends to work I delete almost daily, though. Just in case we have snoopy IT guys or god forbid I should get hit by a bus or something and they need to access my e-mail.

[chodan9]

I will say I have a stronger connection to those who frequent the addiction/recovery thread.
The reason being the shared histories of addiction and recovery.
If you post in that thread there is a preexisting connection, an understanding that bonds those there.

[whatevergirl]

Yep to all of this. ^^^ Same when I was growing up. As a child In the summer I'd leave on my bike and often be gone all day. I rode my bike by myself to piano lessons and dentist appointments, and even took the train into downtown Toronto on my own.

I agree...

Not that technology in and of itself is the culprit, but it's made us lazier, maybe?


I have every e-mail that Lisa has sent me to my personal address since we first met.

100% SRS



That touches my heart...you and Lisa...have a very special thing. :)

[kurent]

I may be too young still, but I think the moment you say times are changing you can officially be handed a certificate of being old. The same was probably said by your parents and wondered how the new generation will go ahead in this new world that is changing so fast. Too fast...for them.

It has brought us the good and the bad. You can't have just the good, you have to accept the bad also. Someone said you have a filter on when talking in real life. Well sometimes it's good that this filter comes off. The things people will say and admit when they can be guaranteed anonymity.

A computer is just a tool. It's the user that chooses how to use the tool.

[-=FLEX=-]

People email to much. People sitting right next to me at work email me when they could just walk over and have a conversation (in some cases they can just stand up and say my name to get my attention and start speaking).

This annoys me to no end. Choose the proper method of communication.

My last job I actually had a jackass send me an e-mail to ask me to come into his office to discuss something. I seriously wanted to punch him in the face. I thought that was rude as heck.

And nothing bugs me more than asking someone at work about something and they use that cop-out; "I sent so and so an e-mail and they never got back to me."

My answer is alway "Well how about you pick up the phone and call them and ask them directly?"

[cowboybiker]

This annoys me to no end. Choose the proper method of communication.

My last job I actually had a jackass send me an e-mail to ask me to come into his office to discuss something. I seriously wanted to punch him in the face. I thought that was rude as heck.

And nothing bugs me more than asking someone at work about something and they use that cop-out; "I sent so and so an e-mail and they never got back to me."

My answer is alway "Well how about you pick up the phone and call them and ask them directly?"

I sponser a guy in recovery and he never calls.

But he'll text me day or night to let me know how he's doing.

He says he doesnt want to bother me :rolleyes:

[whatevergirl]

I say more face to face.

typingskill/6

You tend to communicate through video postings on here. :D Always makes me laugh.

[cowboybiker]

You tend to communicate through video postings on here. :D Always makes me laugh.

See, my strategy works :D

[-=FLEX=-]

I sponser a guy in recovery and he never calls.

But he'll text me day or night to let me know how he's doing.

He says he doesnt want to bother me :rolleyes:

I never answer my cell phone unless it's my kids. I prefer to text.

But at work I prefer whatever is the most efficient method of communication.

[cowboybiker]

I never answer my cell phone unless it's my kids. I prefer to text.

But at work I prefer whatever is the most efficient method of communication.

I never answer an unknown number and I keep all numbers so I know who not to answer :D

[paqua17]

And nothing bugs me more than asking someone at work about something and they use that cop-out; "I sent so and so an e-mail and they never got back to me."

My answer is alway "Well how about you pick up the phone and call them and ask them directly?"

Haha I know you're also in the finance area FLEX and I hear this all the time from my team as well. That said I tell them to just go visit their desk to speak with them (as the habit around here is to simply ignore phone calls).

[latebloomingmom]

remember that commercial that was on not too long ago that showed a family that just got unlimited texting and they are all sitting around in the living room texting each other?
uh-huh could be our future.
funny how times change. when I was a kid the phone was for the grown ups and I had to ask permission to use it or answer it when it rang. Now, I have a cell-phone and so does my husband and our oldest son. I wanted it for the car in case we ever break down and I wanted our son to have it so he could call home in case anything happened.
It is a necessary evil I suppose. I don't love it. But I do agree there is something lost in an email or a text that is only found in speaking to someone and hearing the sound of their voice on the other end.
The printed word is sometimes confusing especially if someone is reading between the lines or takes something as offensive when it was only meant to be funny. In person, you would be able to pick up on non-verbals, tone of voice, mannerisms and would understand that this person is only pulling your leg.

[whatevergirl]

remember that commercial that was on not too long ago that showed a family that just got unlimited texting and they are all sitting around in the living room texting each other?
uh-huh could be our future.
funny how times change. when I was a kid the phone was for the grown ups and I had to ask permission to use it or answer it when it rang. Now, I have a cell-phone and so does my husband and our oldest son. I wanted it for the car in case we ever break down and I wanted our son to have it so he could call home in case anything happened.
It is a necessary evil I suppose. I don't love it. But I do agree there is something lost in an email or a text that is only found in speaking to someone and hearing the sound of their voice on the other end.
The printed word is sometimes confusing especially if someone is reading between the lines or takes something as offensive when it was only meant to be funny. In person, you would be able to pick up on non-verbals, tone of voice, mannerisms and would understand that this person is only pulling your leg.

agreed. Especially your last sentence.

I've often said...to some I talk to offline...if many met each other in 'real' life, there might be less misunderstandings, etc...

Someone you might really dislike on here, could end up being a good friend in 'real' life. Just sayin. ;)

[Brackneyc]

agreed. Especially your last sentence.

I've often said...to some I talk to offline...if many met each other in 'real' life, there might be less misunderstandings, etc...

Someone you might really dislike on here, could end up being a good friend in 'real' life. Just sayin. ;)

Proximity to the person is one way to minimize "misunderstandings." LOL. There are only two individuals on this forum who I feel have put into concrete (in a bad way) how a face to face meeting with me would go. The rest I would have zero issues meeting with, having lunch with, or lifting with. Coincidentally, both individuals used the same tactic to solidify my feelings for them. On that topic, I am not willing to concede it as a joke, or a misunderstanding. The intentions were clear, and the lines drawn.

FWIW, I am not talking about a physical encounter. Just that I have no desire to see, engage or otherwise interact with them.

[whatevergirl]

Proximity to the person is one way to minimize "misunderstandings." LOL. There are only two individuals on this forum who I feel have put into concrete (in a bad way) how a face to face meeting with me would go. The rest I would have zero issues meeting with, having lunch with, or lifting with. Coincidentally, both individuals used the same tactic to solidify my feelings for them. On that topic, I am not willing to concede it as a joke, or a misunderstanding. The intentions were clear, and the lines drawn.

wow, you have me wondering now who it could be. :p

I have no grievances with anyone. I try to live and let live...if someone rubs me the wrong way, I just keep him/her at an arm's length. I also realize that the internet makes people a bit braver to say things maybe they might not utter to another's face here. I try to take it all into consideration.

[Brackneyc]

wow, you have me wondering now who it could be. :p

I have no grievances with anyone. I try to live and let live...if someone rubs me the wrong way, I just keep him/her at an arm's length. I also realize that the internet makes people a bit braver to say things maybe they might not utter to another's face here. I try to take it all into consideration.

I do that too (the trying to keep it in perspective on the internet). But, in these two cases, even after repeatedly trying to steer them towards less problematic (I am ok with having my chops busted) ways of insulting me, they kept up and kept up. IRL, it most assuredly would have been disastrous, and I rarely ever feel the need to go there. On this topic however, I am not flexible. No one other than those two have ever done it, either here or irl. Yes, it is the internet, I get it. But, even on the internet, there are boundaries. At least I think there are. :)

[whatevergirl]

I do that too (the trying to keep it in perspective on the internet). But, in these two cases, even after repeatedly trying to steer them towards less problematic (I am ok with having my chops busted) ways of insulting me, they kept up and kept up. IRL, it most assuredly would have been disastrous, and I rarely ever feel the need to go there. On this topic however, I am not flexible. No one other than those two have ever done it, either here or irl. Yes, it is the internet, I get it. But, even on the internet, there are boundaries. At least I think there are. :)

Yea I agree.

(don't think everyone agrees with us tho, brack...lol)

[Brackneyc]

Yea I agree.

(don't think everyone agrees with us tho, brack...lol)

That's ok. :) It just takes longer for some to find their point than others. :)

I mean, I'm not out here losing sleep over stuff on the internet. But I do enjoy the level of interaction (no matter how superficial it may seem to some) I find here. With that said, I could also be made to feel like it may not be for me, if the number of people acting "out of sorts" becomes the norm. As I see it right now, most here (OV35 anyway) are just fine imo. For others I am sure that is not the case. If/when it becomes no fun, I will leave, or take a break. For now, I think it is primarily made up of pretty cool folks.

[Rdez]

Probably no more so than many of the face to face interactions most of us have on a daily basis...How much time/interest do we invest in the thoughts and feelings of most people we come into contact with everyday, beyond our friends and family...

Biggest difference I see with technology is the willingness, almost eagerness... to be mean to each other....

Like I said - it has a dehumanizing effect - people are losing the human trait of empathy.

Empathy is one of the things that stops normal human beings from doing cruel things to others.

[Rdez]

All of recorded history is loaded with massive wide-scale acts of brutality and savagery.

This is true. But they were often done in a context beyond the normal social setting, ie. warfare, religion run amok, etc. , and often committed by adults; and often for some kind of 'legitimate' reason. Like, the Huns were trying to conquer you.

We see now brutality and savagery in children and young adults for no reason but brutality's sake. Not in the context of war or fighting for the last scraps of food when the crops failed, not in the name of their religion (put aside radical islam for a moment-that's a different discussion), not in the name of their country.

They beat the hell out of others 'just because' or 'they had it coming' or some other sadistic non-reason.

I'm sure back in you day, guys settled things with a few punches and that was the end of it. And probably you guys had butted heads for some reason.

Now, a pack of 10 kids will just beat the hell out of another kid for no good reason and leave him a bloody pulp. Kids will torment other kids to the point of suicide.

You can't tell me that the insulating buffer of modern communication technology hasn't numbed a whole generation (more or less) to the understanding of what others feel, to know and feel that other people outside yourself have feelings, emotions, fears, needs, etc.