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My online identity crisis

JENNIFER HOLLETT

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 1:22 PM EST 12/12/07

With millions of people creating social networking profiles, identity confusion is becoming commonplace ...Read the full article

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  1. Shawn Petriw from Prince George, Canada writes: That's why you should have a good portrait photo for your profile rather than something someone can't make out, or a photo of a group or other person.

    You're real friends should be able to figure out it's you by a small thumbnail pic - so use a good one. Many people don't.
  2. John Stanton from Canada writes: Here is an idea. Get off stupid sites like this one and communicate with real friends on the phone and in person. These sites are settling in to frivolous and meaningless places. And people are making millions off of it. Good for them!
  3. Expert Eel from Canada writes: Sorry that I won't buy into this social networking fad, but I really don't want everyone in the world to know my personal details.

    Just gives creepy strangers an advantage over me.

    I think that I will just keep on phoning, visiting and writing my friends.
  4. Albin Forone from Toronto, Canada writes: Google Albin Forone and you'll find, the inimitable!
  5. D K from Canada writes: Facebook is so yesterday!
  6. Anthony B from Sydney, NS, Canada writes: 'I have 369 friends, she has 2,483.'

    Say what? Did someone change the definition of 'friend?'
  7. Phillip Patriotic from Home and Hearth, Canada writes: Why is it that every time there is an article in the G&M about Facebook, the same 'holier-than-thou' posters come out to lambast those who choose to use it?

    I find it funny that the same individuals who preach about holding face-to-face conversations with their friends do not hesitate to post their perspectives online to a multitude of strangers. Shouldn’t you be voicing those comments in conversation with your friends?
  8. Dan Shortt from Toronto, Canada writes: What? You mean I'm not the only Joe Smith in the universe ... there's other people out there named Joe Smith too? Who would'a thunk it?
  9. Paul Copcutt from Dundas, Canada writes: Having an online identity of some description is going to be part of who we are going forward. Too many people, businesses and entities are relying on this for it not to happen.

    So the determination needs to be made when using online resources what are you looking to achieve with it?

    - If its to just collect 'friends' great
    - If its to make connections for a job move or to develop business - fantastic
    - If its just to prove to naysayers that having an online profile is important and necessary - go for it

    What ever it is have a clear objective and spend the necessary time to achieve and get out of it waht YOU want - after all it is you - isn't it?!!!
  10. Dan Shortt from Toronto, Canada writes: Memo to Jennifer Hollett:

    Add your middle name to your FB profile. Surely that other Jennifer doesn't have the same middle name as you ...
  11. Jim OKeefe from Toronto, Canada writes: I'm sure the original Jen is very nice, but I know which one I'd poke to be a friend, and it ain't the journalist. Haven't had an account on facebook, but I might if I can every get my wife off the computer. Massive time waster Facebook is.
  12. Miss Lady from Canada writes: Dan Shortt, her middle name is probably 'Marie' - anyone whose parents think Jennifer is original enough probably think Marie is an unusual middle name. Of course, now the schools are full of Kaeli, Caleigh, Kayley, Cayley, and all other variations of what was not always such a common name.
    Maybe it is better to get off line, because most real names aren't unique. Mine is, though, and I hide it when I am online!

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