Message Board Sociology

I have long wanted to see a sociologist do a study on the interactions which occur upon message boards. Lately, the ones that I have frequented for a long time have just plain gotten bizarre. One, I have chosen to leave.

On message boards, you are more free to express parts of yourself. You don't have to worry about people judging you because of how you look, or what age you are, or what clothes you wear. You're anonymous so it's easier to get a little more daring in your sharing.

At the same time, with nothing more than words on a screen you can present yourself in any way you choose. Rather than being freed from the masks you wear in real life, you can construct for yourself a whole new one. You can put whatever foot forward that you want.

The interesting thing is, most of the time, both happen without people really realizing it.

Another phenomenon which has been present on one of my boards recently is the difficulty of differing expectations. This board happens to be one which discusses the writings of a particular author. This has been the perfect environment for people to discuss spiritual, and emotional difficulties they have encountered. The board itself has sections for discussions of theology, discussions of the books, discussions for whatever, and so on and so forth. Some people come there hoping to find people to sympathize with them in their humanity. Some are there to discuss theological and intellectual issues. Some are there just to hang out. Some enjoy the social club.

But sometimes those expectations clash. The people who are there for emotional support don't feel their needs are being met when the intellectual mumbo-jumbo starts flying. The intellectual discussers don't relate to the need some have for support. Some feel that only certain venues of discussion which might lead to debate should be acceptable. Some come in expecting to find only those of a particular theological persuasion only to find that others can read the words of this author and come from a totally different one... And suddenly there is chaos!

Add in the periodical real life meeting, the alliances that are formed behind the scenes from IMs and emails, and the drama that ensues from all of that and things can get very interesting. And so... they have.

What's frusterating is with all of the hidden and non-hidden aspects of things it's difficult to honestly address all forms of difficulty in such a medium. So instead of just one elephant in the room, there's like five.

I find myself drawn to watching it at times like I'm drawn to watching a bad car-wreck. It's probably not entirely healthy, but it surely is interesting.