How does identity deception affect the type of society that evolves in a limited medium environment?
Of course, this question begs another one: what is identity deception? Is it as simple and basic as redressing oneself in an online description? Reid suggests that: “If many descriptions show exaggerated, even fantastical, attempts to indicate social acceptability, it is at least in part a reflection of the degree to which players feel it necessary to compensate for the lack of non-textual communication channels.” Reid is talking about MUDs, though such exaggerations are seen (presumably) in any social setting online. Since this behavior is widespread and perhaps expected, then is it really deception? She goes on to claim “it is only where virtual existence holds close parallels to actual life that the possibility and accusations of deception enter the equation.” So by calling myself a hobbit, I am not really deceiving anyone since such a thing is impossible. However, calling myself female, since I could very well be in RL, does open the door to identity deception. Fundamentally, howev
