Nostr Web Client

It makes sense to me, due to the nature of Nostr, that people should have two or three Nostr IDs.

With one, you should have the freedom to say whatever is on your mind in the presence of contacts you don't know in real life -- but that one should be an anonymous ID. It can be reserved for potentially controversial posts that could be used against you, like those that express certain political, pharmaceutical, or religious views.

Another ID might be a more measured, professional one, a public face of sorts, where you are well "behaved" and won't get in much trouble with the thought police.

Thirdly, one could have a personal ID for contacts you know in real life. (Better yet, don't be on social media with your real-life friends -- actually be with them! Or send personalized direct messages through Signal.)

All the while, in any case, it's important to keep in mind that whatever you say will likely stay on your "permanent record."

You don't want to post stupid things in your 20s, for example, and have it haunt you in your 40s.

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Discussion

Daniel Wigton 5mo ago

I think a person should be integrated rather than compartmentalized. If I don't want what say to reflect back on me, should it be said? Or alternatively maybe it should be said and I should stop living a lie.

There is a strength in being exactly the person you present to the world.

That being said, the option for anonymity should always remain for those case where a person is not ready for the risks of sharing important information. I just don't think it should be the norm.

TheDarrenator 5mo ago

That's certainly a valid point -- we should not be dis-integrated as persons.

But it seems to me we should still be prudent online. We are not morally obligated to let everyone know our thoughts on everything.

In real life, I share some things only with my wife. Other things I share with close friends. Still others with friendly acquaintances. But it's wise I keep a certain distance with most coworkers (especially HR!). And I'm especially guarded against those I might consider enemies who could look for ways to "get" me based on something I share.

I don't meant to say we should be deceitful or two-faced (or three- or four-faced); but I'd say it's wise to compartmentalize our audiences based on what we choose to share. I'm suggesting we pattern our fake digital social life after our real-life social life.