Intentionally misleading people about your gender

[Pyramid*]

On internet land...... Why?

I don't understand the need for anyone to intentionally avoid mentioning if they are male or female - surely it matters not if a person is male or female but why do some people avoid saying if what gender they are - I mean those people who don't intially let on either way: and are happy for people to assume they are female when they are actually male: or vice versa.

Why would anyone intentionally do this - to later reveal their true gender at a later stage?

Has anyone done this? if so, why did you feel the need? :conf:

[InOne]

TiBB is quite famous for this.

[Scarlett.]

While I don't understand pretending to be the other sex on the forum, I can get why people would leave it anonymous, it would generally mean they're just seen as a poster on a forum, rather than being a male poster or a female poster lol

[Good King Glennceslas]

I'm actually a female called Gladys.

Feel a massive burden lifting from my shoulders.

[Santa's NaughtiNess]

I'm actually a female called Gladys.

Feel a massive burden lifting from my shoulders.

:joker:

[thesheriff443]

well im barbra on the weekends.

[Ramsay]

i have a rusty fanny

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

i have a rusty fanny

i can confirm this

[Marsh.]

I've seen confusion over member's genders and had people ask me mine but I've never seen anyone keep it intentionally ambiguous.

[joeysteele]

It wouldn't bother me if people did that,I don't really understand why anyone would want to on here or other areas of the internet.
I don't mind saying I am male.
Anyway,I have been on tibb for near 2 years now and I still haven't a clue if some members are male or female.

[ChristmasNeeve]

If people want to remain anonymous then I see no problem with that, that's their prerogative really.

[Niall]

I understand the anonymous thing but just pretending to be another gender? :conf2: Why?

[Scarlett.]

The thing about being anonymous is you arent really tricking anyone or misleading them about who you are. However if you are pretending to be the opposite sex, you are decieving people, tricking them into thinking you're someone you're not, and this brings your whole personality into question.

[ChristmasNeeve]

I understand the anonymous thing but just pretending to be another gender? :conf2: Why?

It's not pretending to be another gender, it's remaining anonymous

[Niall]

It's not pretending to be another gender, it's remaining anonymous

Okay not disclosing your gender because you want to remain anonymous makes perfect sense.

To create a fake identity is just needlessly compacted, I mean I can't think why someone would want to bother with being fake like that unless they were a compulsive liar or something idk.

[ChristmasNeeve]

Okay not disclosing your gender because you want to remain anonymous makes perfect sense.

To create a fake identity is just needlessly compacted, I mean I can't think why someone would want to bother with being fake like that unless they were a compulsive liar or something idk.

oh yeah definitely but I was responding to what was asked in the OP. I can see that it would make perfect sense for people to be a bit wary on a new forum to not want to reveal details about themselves and then to later when they felt more comfortable with people :shrug:

[Patrick]

TiBB is quite famous for this.

:joker:

[Kizzy]

I agree, once you admit to a gender you are stereotyped ......

[LemonJam]

-becomes suspicious of pyramid- :suspect:

:bigsmile:

[nicole_burks]

But it's a gender...

Why does a gender matter? They're not going to get judged if they're fe/male.

[LemonJam]

well now I'm dubious to respond to you because you have cooties. :S

[Jords]

I dont understand the point but I dont really care either. I get over it very quickly when real identities get found as long as theyre not an old man pretending to be a young girl or whatever.

[Marsh.]

I dont understand the point but I dont really care either. I get over it very quickly when real identities get found as long as theyre not an old man pretending to be a young girl or whatever.

http://multiply.com/mu/nutcrammer/image/5/photos/11/1200x120/46/perv.gif?et=H5Qy785funnXxmueMRglxQ&nmid=50472100

[Kizzy]

Urgh I wondered if it would come down to that...Where did you find that gif?....

[Jords]

http://multiply.com/mu/nutcrammer/image/5/photos/11/1200x120/46/perv.gif?et=H5Qy785funnXxmueMRglxQ&nmid=50472100

:joker:

[Merry Mockmas]

http://multiply.com/mu/nutcrammer/image/5/photos/11/1200x120/46/perv.gif?et=H5Qy785funnXxmueMRglxQ&nmid=50472100

:joker:

I honestly am not that bothered about it tbh as yes it's a bit weird but unless some paedophile was doing it to get hold of a child then I don't have a problem with it.

[Marsh.]

Urgh I wondered if it would come down to that...Where did you find that gif?....

Scott's living room.

[Kizzy]

Scott's living room.

Burn it!

[lostalex]

if you make an assumption, then they are not misleading you. you are just being a presumptuous or prejudice person.

i honestly don't know the gender of most of the posters here, and i never think about it. Doesn't matter to me.

[Z]

I think it's an attention thing and partly a fantasy thing. I've long maintained that all users of internet chat sites have one thing in common - we all, at the time of signing up, feel like we lack something. This depends entirely on your age, stage of life and a variety of factors, but it boils down to this basic thing. Taking our community as an example, we all signed up to talk about Big Brother. Presumably we did this because we couldn't talk about it to friends we have in real life, or because we couldn't talk about it in the detail we wanted to, or because we just don't have any friends. Maybe those of us who stick around in off season, again only to begin with, did so because it's better than sitting around feeling lonely in our real lives. I personally have a wide circle of friends - but back when I was 13 I felt like the loneliest person in the world and this place was a wonderful escape for me. So I think, going back to the OP's question, some people would choose to lie about their gender to give themselves a bit of mystery. Sometimes it really sucks having to be who you really are in the real world. Maybe you don't like yourself very much and you want to play a role. Of course, most people get found out because it's hard to keep up such a lie if you start to get to know people - and the more you get to know people, the more betrayed they feel when they find out you were lying. So it's never a good idea but I think I understand some of the reasons why people do it.

[ChristmasNeeve]

I don't think that applies here though Greg as the OP isn't saying people who lie about their gender..........just chose not to reveal it straight away. I would have thought that's more of a cautious move

[Pyramid*]

I think it's an attention thing and partly a fantasy thing. I've long maintained that all users of internet chat sites have one thing in common - we all, at the time of signing up, feel like we lack something. This depends entirely on your age, stage of life and a variety of factors, but it boils down to this basic thing. Taking our community as an example, we all signed up to talk about Big Brother. Presumably we did this because we couldn't talk about it to friends we have in real life, or because we couldn't talk about it in the detail we wanted to, or because we just don't have any friends. Maybe those of us who stick around in off season, again only to begin with, did so because it's better than sitting around feeling lonely in our real lives. I personally have a wide circle of friends - but back when I was 13 I felt like the loneliest person in the world and this place was a wonderful escape for me. So I think, going back to the OP's question, some people would choose to lie about their gender to give themselves a bit of mystery. Sometimes it really sucks having to be who you really are in the real world. Maybe you don't like yourself very much and you want to play a role. Of course, most people get found out because it's hard to keep up such a lie if you start to get to know people - and the more you get to know people, the more betrayed they feel when they find out you were lying. So it's never a good idea but I think I understand some of the reasons why people do it.

You know Zee... what you have written above makes a lot of sense and a lot of thought has gone into your reply, rather than just a defensive kind of reply - but it does pose the question as you say: why the need for kind of wanting other to believe something that is not true, intentionally. Ambiguity is one thing, but to want others to believe a poster is one thing, when they are not - that seems weird.

I'm laughing at InOne's comment though that Tibb is known for it! Oh dear.... !!! How true that is though, I have no idea? I know many on here as happily male or female, and some that I have no idea which makes no difference to how I regard them as a poster. Their gender does not define them: but their posts do.

I joined as me, as Pyramid* and that's who I was on DS, had no need to hide anything, or to pretend because I wasn't known on here - a great many other posters from DS came over with me but I think the 'less than friendly welcome and hard time' they got from some on Tibb, made them abandon it again. :bawling:


As for Lemonjam. I'm actually Cleopatra, risen from the depths of ancient Egypt - given I'm probably one of the oldest on here! Resurrected from the sands of time. :D

[In the Drunk Tank]

I think it just gives a greater degree of anonymity really

[Pyramid*]

I don't think that applies here though Greg as the OP isn't saying people who lie about their gender..........just chose not to reveal it straight away. I would have thought that's more of a cautious move

To clarify: it's more to do with what is done with intent - intent to allow others to believe one thing whilst knowing it to be untrue but it to suit a purpose - whatever that may be.

I'm sure it must happen all over the internet. It's at what stage that all unravels I guess, you know - what else have others been led to believe for whatever reason.

It's a strange thing really. I do understand anonymity - but intentionally being misleading.

goodness: only today I was reading something in the (yes..the good old DM) about well..... here you can read it for yourself.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2143562/Warning-paedophiles-grooming-primary-school-children-Club-Penguin-Moshi-Monsters-websites.html

NOTE: I am not at all suggesting anyone on Tibb falls into this category before you all shoot me down in flames. But that is the ultimate danger and risk that is taken.

[Pyramid*]

I think it just gives a greater degree of anonymity really


If it is kept up.

If it is not. Then it's less to do with anonymity as more to do with deception with intent is it not? :conf:

[InOne]

You know Zee... what you have written above makes a lot of sense and a lot of thought has gone into your reply, rather than just a defensive kind of reply - but it does pose the question as you say: why the need for kind of wanting other to believe something that is not true, intentionally. Ambiguity is one thing, but to want others to believe a poster is one thing, when they are not - that seems weird.

I'm laughing at InOne's comment though that Tibb is known for it! Oh dear.... !!! How true that is though, I have no idea? I know many on here as happily male or female, and some that I have no idea which makes no difference to how I regard them as a poster. Their gender does not define them: but their posts do.

I joined as me, as Pyramid* and that's who I was on DS, had no need to hide anything, or to pretend because I wasn't known on here - a great many other posters from DS came over with me but I think the 'less than friendly welcome and hard time' they got from some on Tibb, made them abandon it again. :bawling:


As for Lemonjam. I'm actually Cleopatra, risen from the depths of ancient Egypt - given I'm probably one of the oldest on here! Resurrected from the sands of time. :D

Think it was about 3 over 2 years.

[ChristmasNeeve]

If it is kept up.

If it is not. Then it's less to do with anonymity as more to do with deception with intent is it not? :conf:

No necessarily, there's been people on here who either didn't reveal their identity or pretended to be another gender purely because they were nervous of revealing any details about themselves online, then when they became more comfortable on the forum and got to know people better, felt that they could relax a bit.

[Pyramid*]

No necessarily, there's been people on here who either didn't reveal their identity or pretended to be another gender purely because they were nervous of revealing any details about themselves online, then when they became more comfortable on the forum and got to know people better, felt that they could relax a bit.


Pretending to be another gender isn't quite the same as revealing an identity or revealing personal details....- it's not quite like divulging your bank account details or such.

The word 'pretending' says it all. What else might someone be pretending about? I think Zee replied and gave very good reasons & comments tbh, it's why I asked the question and the replies are interesting. It's good to see how people view different scenarious.

[In the Drunk Tank]

If it is kept up.

If it is not. Then it's less to do with anonymity as more to do with deception with intent is it not? :conf:

Well I'd say it gives an extra level of security, more protection against people knowing too much about you maybe, some people on here can be quite intrusive :p

[Jords]

The best way to remain anonymous is not to give any sort of info.
See: Reggie

I dont think its neccessary though, and I like to have a face to the person Im talking to.

[ChristmasNeeve]

Pretending to be another gender isn't quite the same as revealing an identity or revealing personal details....- it's not quite like divulging your bank account details or such.

The word 'pretending' says it all. What else might someone be pretending about? I think Zee replied and gave very good reasons & comments tbh, it's why I asked the question and the replies are interesting. It's good to see how people view different scenarious.

Well, what one person feels comfortable about, another person might not. I really don't see the issue really unless it's done for a sinister reason and I don't think you can generalise and say that everyone who did this, did it for a sinister reason............especially people who later admit their actual gender, surely if they do eventually admit to it, then they're not trying to hide it for sinister reasons, otherwise they would keep the pretence up.

[Pyramid*]

Well, what one person feels comfortable about, another person might not. I really don't see the issue really unless it's done for a sinister reason and I don't think you can generalise and say that everyone who did this, did it for a sinister reason............especially people who later admit their actual gender, surely if they do eventually admit to it, then they're not trying to hide it for sinister reasons, otherwise they would keep the pretence up.


I have no idea Niamh why anyone would feel the need to intentionally pretend. It's why I asked the question, it is the very reason I started the thread.

I don't see the need for pretence but I'm open to what others have to say on it - and others have that right too have their view on it - as you have, as I have.

[ChristmasNeeve]

I have no idea Niamh why anyone would feel the need to intentionally pretend. It's why I asked the question, it is the very reason I started the thread.

I don't see the need for pretence but I'm open to what others have to say on it - and others have that right too have their view on it - as you have, as I have.

I never said they weren't entitled to their opinion on it Pyramid, I'm simply giving you mine :conf:

I know a couple of people on this forum who have either initially lied about their gender or chose not to reveal it and later did, these people were just more cautious about the internet.

[Pyramid*]

I never said they weren't entitled to their opinion on it Pyramid, I'm simply giving you mine :conf:

I know a couple of people on this forum who have either initially lied about their gender or chose not to reveal it and later did, these people were just more cautious about the internet.

I understand, especially when this forum has so many youngsters on it I suppose for this type of forum it might be understandable, particularly some of the younger ones might be wary, especially if mums and dads are warning them I guess to be careful about what they say to who and all that.

[Jords]

hi guys im a busty babe who wants to see me nips? x

[Pyramid*]

hi guys im a busty babe who wants to see me nips? x

Wrong sex. Wrong body bits.

:D

[ChristmasNeeve]

I understand, especially when this forum has so many youngsters on it I suppose for this type of forum it might be understandable, particularly some of the younger ones might be wary, especially if mums and dads are warning them I guess to be careful about what they say to who and all that.

Absolutely. And you would be surprised, older people who may not be as familiar with the internet in general can be even more nervous about it

[Pyramid*]

Absolutely. And you would be surprised, older people who may not be as familiar with the internet in general can be even more nervous about it


Really? I'd have thought older people would be very wary of lying or pretending for obvious reasons - but I guess it all depends on the type of website I guess.

[Z]

Yeah TiBB is notorious for gender benders :D I don't want to rake up old news but I can think of 6 right off the top of my head and I know I'm missing a few. I think it is just that sense of wanting to escape from reality at the very heart of it. Sometimes it's really sinister, other times I think it's just wanting to pretend to be someone else so you don't have to be yourself.

[Vicky.]

I dont understand it at ALL.

Some say its for privacy reasons...well...knowing your true gender would hardly make someone be able to track you down or anything would it :bored:

[Vicky.]

Oh I assumed this was about thouse who actually say they are female/male when they are the opposite sex.

I understand people not disclosing personal info at all...I dont see the need as as I said knowing which gender you are wont really make a difference, but those who actually say they are and pretend to be the opposite sex I will never ever understand. Seems really stupid and pointless to me tbh

[Jack_]

Remaining anonymous is fine, but pretending to be the opposite gender is just odd. And I always think they're trying to hide something.

[Livia]

I don't really care. There are a few people on here with androgynous names that I took to be male that turned out to be female... males with female pics, females with male pics... makes no odds really. I can think of far more unpleasant things to do on a forum than mislead people as to your gender, intentionally or otherwise.

[Pyramid*]

I don't really care. There are a few people on here with androgynous names that I took to be male that turned out to be female... males with female pics, females with male pics... makes no odds really. I can think of far more unpleasant things to do on a forum than mislead people as to your gender, intentionally or otherwise.

I can think of far more unpleasant thing also that I see happening day in and day out all over the internet - though that's a different subject altogether than the topic being discussed really.

[Livia]

I can think of far more unpleasant thing also that I see happening day in and day out all over the internet - though that's a different subject altogether than the topic being discussed really.

I answered the subject and drew a comparison. It doesn't bother me as much as other stuff does.

[Pyramid*]

I answered the subject and drew a comparison. It doesn't bother me as much as other stuff does.

Indeed you did. Though I'm fortunate in that it doesn't bother me at all, it does intrigue me all the same.