How The Internet Brings Out Our Good And Bad Personalities

the internet changes our personalityIs the internet bringing out your dark side? Technology is changing our personalities – for the worse.

The internet changes the way we think and act. I don’t know about you, I act like my offline version on the internet; but some people don’t. Adrian and I discussed how people, in video games, act like they own the game; showing narcissistic tendencies which spill into their offline world. Narcissism is the one trait related with internet use, because having access to so much information, making use of it and creating a following gives us a feeling of grandeur; of being better than others.

I’ve been on the receiving end of this behavior. For example, I get questions about being on the receiving end of trolls since I’ve been writing a blog for almost 9 years. I’ve received thousands of comments on this blog, but I only remember one where I questioned if that person was being a jerk intent on being negative just for the heck of it.

I know people who’s personalities transform on the internet, almost losing any of the insecurities they show offline. You can see who these people are when the walls of internet chat permits them to only show what they want to show, and therefore act however they want to act.

The fact is: most people do not act and express their authentic selves on the internet.

I believe we all have a dark side, what triggers it is a personal thing. The ability to be anonymous on the internet inspires less mature people act out their darker side without the consequence, and emotional weight, of being called out and ignored offline.

Below is our discussion, listen and let us know what you think on Twitter @jorgebarba and @adrianpedrin.

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Intro audio is by Arturo Arriaga, outro audio is Candyland by Guy J.

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