Does your digital self reflect your identity or create it?

-Our "thirst to be understood" is what drives us to seek out connections, and lie, online.
-The Internet was not created for us.
-Our compulsion to "deceive both ourselves and others" is a "fundamental part of human nature."

"Can we trust anything people say online?"
The Internet can not only warp your definition of reality, but it can profoundly alter your morals. Many people try to deceive both themselves and others by creating an alternate persona for themselves online. This blatant denial of reality is an increasing problem in our society. While we do have a "thirst to be understood," I do not believe that devoting time to the Internet is the way to interact and develop relationships with people. The Internet can not only create a "dysfunctional intimacy," it can deceive us into believing that what happens online is truly as important as our face to face interactions. The Internet was "designed by the Cold War," and we must remember that it was created as a tool of espionage and deceit. Although the article states that our compulsion to "deceive both ourselves and others" is a "fundamental part of human nature," I would be much more willing to give a person the benefit of the doubt in person, and to distrust them on the Internet. However, there are certain aspects of the Internet which can be useful. If we are connecting with people we already know, are communicating with people who are important and meaningful in other facets of our lives, or are gathering information from a trusted source, then the Internet can be a tool of amazing force. If you are not careful, the Internet can addict you, and warp your definition of reality, human nature, and morality.