| >something can't be anonymous and social at the same time, social engagement requires personal contact and identity. I don't really agree with that. Going to a bar or a club is absolutely social. And can absolutely be anonymous. Granted, that does include personal contact, but there's no requirement to identify yourself, or if you do, provide accurate information. I'd say the same is true for online interaction. When you interact with others (such as me responding to your comment) that's a social interaction. Whether it's a meaningful or useful social interaction is a different question, but definitely social interactions, IMHO. >On anonymous sites you may get into a generic argument, but you don't lose reputation, you're not personally attacked in your identity, and you can't be ostracised. That's absolutely true. At the same time, it doesn't make those interactions not "social interactions," just anonymous or pseudonymous ones. Just like the ones you might have on a subway or in the checkout line at a supermarket. |