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In reply to the discussion: Just curious why so few people use their real names. [View all]TBF
(32,090 posts)75. I am in an area where my thoughts are a distinct minority -
that can hurt in terms of keeping jobs, people being civil to you, property damage etc. It is the same reason I don't say much about my political/religious beliefs (or lack thereof) on Facebook under my real name. That can come back on you in a big way if you live in an area where you are not the majority.
I'm glad you are comfortable enough where you are to be able to be so forthcoming. I wish it were safe for everyone to express their views without fear of repercussions.
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Unfortunately, there are people whose idea of political discourse is to try and damage others
FrodosPet
Sep 2014
#4
They were very against sign language for deaf children. There's more to it though than that though.
deafskeptic
Sep 2014
#213
It's the Internet, there are crazy people who would be willing to try to ruin a career.
NYC_SKP
Sep 2014
#5
I have realized over time that it's probably better to have a gender-neutral screen name.
pnwmom
Sep 2014
#150
I don't post much on this site, but I spent quite a bit of time trying to spread the liberal word
Vinca
Sep 2014
#6
That's my main answer as well. (It's not paranoia if they really are out to get ya.)
Gidney N Cloyd
Sep 2014
#84
yep--DU is relatively civil on some other boards, you run into people you really don't want to know
yurbud
Sep 2014
#106
Because DU is full of sock puppets, party flacks, marketers, "ex" freepers, and the like.
Romulox
Sep 2014
#12
When I first joined in 2003 it didn't occur to me that I could use a handle instead
Tom Rinaldo
Sep 2014
#13
I think people just use "things" for usernames...Check this out, from our past:
ScreamingMeemie
Sep 2014
#30
It's not that I'm ashamed of my political beliefs. I just value my online privacy.
Tommy_Carcetti
Sep 2014
#54
Because people would make fun of me. I don't see what's funny about Cecilia Snottygrubble...
Violet_Crumble
Sep 2014
#56
I had my life threatened once on DU by DU Mail. Today, anyone, can be physically located.
RKP5637
Sep 2014
#83
i have wondered the same. i use at least my first name (ellen) and usually my state (fl).
ellenfl
Sep 2014
#99
I'm not ashamed of my political beliefs, and I thank you for the advance judgement.
arcane1
Sep 2014
#101
Yep! I thought it was a good question, marym625. I wish we could ALL be more open. What our
RKP5637
Sep 2014
#153
II like using a pen name for privacy reasons. And to confuse anyone who might want to find me--
Louisiana1976
Sep 2014
#102
My car was keyed in real life for having DU and John Kerry bumper stickers...
steve2470
Sep 2014
#104
Because there is always a small minority on any internet group who can be malicious and cause troubl
LeftishBrit
Sep 2014
#117
"Makes me think people are ashamed of their political beliefs." Oh, right. BRILLIANT deduction.
WinkyDink
Sep 2014
#124
I've had multiple dear friends driven off-line due to anti-feminist activism.
politicat
Sep 2014
#160
There are extremely creepy people at this website who like to research other posters
DisgustipatedinCA
Sep 2014
#168
I can't ever use my real name who would want a logon of jeffjohnson1317868358136
LiberalArkie
Sep 2014
#193