Oh... Lot's of interesting things have been said. Thanks guys.
I'm afflicted by it. I usually read my message a lot of times looking for a mistake and that's when I decide not to post it, so I'm trying to stop it and just post without revising. I also have another thing that maybe somebody else has it too: I can't post in threads with a lot of responses.
Interesting. I can't do the un-revising trick, because anyway I will go back to read what I wrote once it's posted and I will be horribly ashamed if I said something stupid or made some grammar mistake (which I'm sure I do all the time even with revision since english is my second language).
I'm wondering why you can't post in threads with a lot of responses. Is it because it makes you feel like no one will notice what you wrote in a sea of opinion?
I don't delete, though 95% of the time I'll write out a reply, realize that I've set nothing down that would offer a fresh perspective or would make me look like an idiot, then close the tab without clicking the 'post' button.
In the real world, I'll constantly say things without thinking it through, then obsess over my thoughtlessness for hours afterwards...
Yup... Sounds like me
I figure even if I said something stupid (which happens), I like keeping my old posts around as a record of what I was thinking at the time.
Hah, that's a funny idea... But that's a good one. Probably helps to stay open to other's opinions, when you are aware that your own opinion on things change over the years.
I do it in real life more than online, I always have a feeling of "why should I even waste my breath?"
So the reason why you keep your mouth shut is mostly because you think people won't listen, rather than wondering if it's relevant?
I've deleted (pretty much) all my posts. The reason was the same as to why I rarely post anything anymore: I'm irrationally afraid of sounding/saying something stupid and being judged on that regard.
I also don't feel like I have anything relevant to add for the most part.
In real life, it depends on how much rapport I have with the person at hand. With my parents, for example, I can express myself without constraints. With an acquaintance/someone I don't know all that well/a total stranger, I'll fall on the opposite extreme.
PS: Good thread, by the way.
Thanks :blushing: I usually feel like I have nothing relevant to say as well, which is the main reason why I don't post a lot of what I write. I feel like there can be a lot of stupid things coming out of my mouth if I'm not careful, here as well as in RL, so it feels safer to stay silent, especially with people with whom you like to keep a façade or those who think I'm smarter than I actually am.
I am outspoken on line. I am more likely to delete posts on my blog about my anxiety that will be read by people who know me.
I get that. I'm totally unwilling to talk about such personal things with anyone I'm susceptible to see face to face.
