Non-Truths in Online Profiles

Some people measure the division between the virtual world and the real world as so enormous that the two worlds can never connect. That vast division can almost be likened to the difference between astronomy and nauticality. The two are so distant and different that they can never combine.

Others see the virtual world as a reality of its own, and one that is quite reachable. But the true reality is, there is a cap on just how much reality can actually be obtained in virtuality, unless a real-life crossover occurs.

Regardless of an individual's ideals of virtuality, people want to chat. They want to be curious about the life inside the virtual realm, and they don't want to be hindered by the constraints of circumstances. To satisfy that curiosity or to reach a personal gain, some people go out of their way to keep their real-life relationships hidden for sake of keeping the doors of the virtual realm and all that is contained inside open to them.

The Lonely S

The 'S' commonly seen in profiles is a single letter application representing a person's relationship status as being Single. It is never reported as symbolizing separation.

Some online socializers who are in a real romantic relationship go so far as type a lower case s in their profile in an attempt to encourage other chatters to believe that they are single. However, it is so often learned through further conversation that their true romantic status is often times different than what they have chosen to display.

The Announcing of an Ending Relationship

Separating is another word often seen in a profile display. It simply signifies someone's alleged wishes that their relationship in the real world will come to an end in the near future.

Some people announce that they are indeed committed, but insist that the relationship is wobbly and beyond repair. Real or not, their story will generally hold for the length of a conversation. It has even been expressed that 'divorce papers will be filed in the morning', and after a matter of a few days, it is forgotten that the statement was ever made.

Be leary of anyone chatting indecisively about their current relationship. Chances are, they are simply looking for an online companion and have little, if any actual desire to forfeit their real-life relationship. A few may even express that they are currently in a committed relationship, but it is laden with elements of abuse, be it physical, emotional or what is perceived as neglectful.

Victim of Relationship Abuse

Many times, someone wishes to divulge some very personal elements of their personal life. It feels safe to do so among people they cannot see or hear. It allows them a safe place to talk about certain elements of their life without repercussions. Because of this, there is no limit as to how much one will divulge.

Reading about an abusive relationship is startling, although common, and seems even more common if the person making the claim appears to be feeling supported amongst the chat population. It is always best to 'listen' to these claims with an open mind. Don't discount them, but don't allow yourself to become absorbed in them either. If the words coming forth are drastic in your opinion, encourage that person to consider seeking some type of professional help.

N/A: No Answer or Not Applicable

The n/a response should always raise a flag. Simply put, this person has gone through extra steps to divulge what leaving the field blank already expresses. This is the person who typically feels out for an online companion who they wish to know on an intimate basis and is absolutely not willing to sacrifice their-real life romantic relationship in the process.

Please visit Fragmented Online Profiles for a basic overview of this topic.