Why are people so willing to share their personal history with total strangers?

Question

Things they've allegedly done or do; things they like and dislike; personal feelings, etc. Intimate stuff they wouldn't reveal to their best friend, they share freely, believing they're totally anonymous.

I have my suspicions, just like to know what you think.

Answer 1

Because they are total strangers!

It's not good to hold things in but these days its hard to find someone to confide in,  so this is a way to get it out and people assume it is anonymous.

Answer 2

to make you feel comfortable around them knowing that their safe even though it can make the opposite effect

Answer 3

Desperate for friendship seems like.

Answer 4

If I tell someone I know, then every time I see them I'll be reminded of it.

Telling strangers is easier, because you'll never see them again.

My best friends don't know any of my problems...but a couple people online do. It helps, to spill your guts but not have to deal with the consequences.

Answer 5

Because you don't have to worry about them telling anyone what you said. Even if they did, whoever they tell isn't going to know you so it doesn't matter. And sometimes there are things you just don't feel comfortable telling a friend or family member. When you tell a stranger, they may judge you, but you don't have to worry about running into them later. You're never going to have to deal with them later.

Answer 6

I think that it can be easier to tell strangers things. You don't want people to see you differently so you don't tell them everything. With strangers, it doesn't matter, you have no attachments, no obligations to be someone. You can tell them things, and never have to see them again and live with how differently they see you.  

Answer 7

because total strangers are stranger

people can say everything without fear that the other knows  who they r

and it would be nice to sometimes they can get some more friends that have the same interest  

Answer 8

they want to relate to others

Answer 9

Easy...because they don't know the people. They don't care if total strangers judge them. You don't know me and I don't know you. If you saw me on the street, you'd have no idea who I am. We could already be friends or co-workers for all we know, but that's the best part about sharing personal stuff online. You get free perspectives, support, and opinions without having to face judgment from people you know. It's impersonal.

Another reason is that sometimes spouses, family, and friends get tired of us venting or they don't and we just want to come online and complain without burdening our tired loved ones. Here we can ask questions all we want and find out a bunch of different answers. Friends and loved ones are biased because they are often affected by us. Strangers can share their own perspective from a more objective or distant point of view.

Finally, it can be fun meeting people with your same problems or concerns. It's great talking to family but sometimes they just don't relate. Here, you can go to virtually any category and find someone who knows something about your concern. It's a lot cheaper than therapy and you don't have to wait for "Ask Abby" to respond.

Who wouldn't want to?

Answer 10

Because sometimes you just need to get things off your chest. Maybe you feel like this isn't something you can talk about to your friends. Maybe this is something related to the people you would normally talk to about such a thing. Either way, it's good to talk to people from all over the world who bring in their experiences and perspectives to help you get a better picture of the whole.

I mostly just patronize this site because I have few personal boundaries, and it's nice to know what is appropriate in society.