How does a picture change/modify  your perception of a person you met online?
608773
Great question, thank you!\nThe most rewarding human experiences we have are those shared with other people. Lively conversations on one topic or another, a quiet moment alone on the balcony with the love of your life. Or the excitement and joy in the faces of your children or grand-children as you explore each day. We all need these experiences to feel alive, indeed to live. And the common factor in all these things, at least for most of us I think, is the ability to interpret the other person based on their expressions. \nObviously that is not possible online. All we get to see are the words others leave in their attempt to explain, to seek, to plead, to honor, to thank, to cherish, to love, to help, to grow. For many of us though the words are only a portion of the communication "package". An important portion to be sure, but not the complete package.\nFor me a photo is the next best thing to being there in person. I can look at the photo and imagine the expressions as I read the words. And it helps me understand better what the writer means. I know it's an old cliche but the eyes really are the windows to the soul. A photo doesn't quite provide as clear a window as I would like, but it is as close as most of us will get to those we interact with here, unfortunately. At least it is much better than a little cartoon character.\nI understand that many prefer to not post photos for privacy reasons. That's okay. But for those who are willing, a photo can be so helpful.\nAnother cliche, "a picture is worth a thousand words", really is true for me. A photo somehow removes many of the barriers to honest and open communication that some feel.\nRecently I was chatting with someone and, although it was very enjoyable, I just felt I wasn't quite connecting. I asked for a photo not knowing what the reaction would be (it was worth the risk). The person agreed and within moments my perceptions changed in a remarkable way. I will never forget the moment that photo loaded on my screen. In an instant the concerns I had (as many here probably share) were relieved. Just an old photo made all the difference for me. Not just the photo itself though, but also the fact that they were willing to send it. A gesture of trust. \nI guess some of us here prefer to not know who they talk with. That's okay too. But those of us who need just a little more really appreciate others among us who are willing to share their photo. A Yahoo 360 page is a wonderful way to communicate too. It lets others see just a little bit more.
128354
You can get really, really close to someone on the Internet very quickly. That is because both of you have your guard down and reveal things more quickly than you would in person. Also, there are no distractions, such as physical attributes. That is fine, you can fall in love with inner qualities rather than outer, but there is a problem. You do not know if the person you are talking to online is telling the truth or is just giving you the answers/information you want. Also, is it just that since you have to talk one at a time it makes that person a good listener. You do have to be careful, there are strange people out there. However, if you are careful then meet in public and have someone close by, money and a phone in case you need to exit.
443705
Click your name and then go to 'Edit Profile' there you can change the pic.
297099
my question to u like his face or the way of he talking if u go to judge her on line friend by way of hie luck that u are not actual date him but u like the way of taking that way is it the best way of judge the person \n\ni hope your online friend not wat to cheat you \ni pray for u
790051
I always thought the same kind of people used them, until one day I got curious.  I met the most amazing person online and now we live together, very happily, I might add!  You just have to be REALLY careful about who you give your personal info to, and how much of it to share until you know the other person is OK.  Use good judgement, that's all.
149651
You can't really get to know a person online.  If you can't see them, you can't tell if they are lying to you.
133509
Personally I think meeting people in places like chat rooms is riskier than other ways of meeting online. Chat rooms tend to be an environment where you can lie easily. Other places, like a hobby forum, would encourage more truthful communication.\n\nI have met a wonderful friend online - we only met because I contacted him via his website and we started talking. Perhaps I was lucky in finding an honest person...\n\nBut yes, if they are hesitant in sending you a photo of themselves... no, make that more than 1 photo of themselves, I'd be skeptical of their truthfulness. Cos its easy enough to find 1 pic of a nice looking person - it is more difficult in finding more than 1 pic of the same person. So, if they don't want to send you more than 1 photo of themselves I'd ditch them as an online friend.\n\nHiding behind a computer is an easy way to hide who you really are. I would be careful in trusting people you meet online. \n\nIt took me over 6 months to trust my friend, to realise that he is a decent person. Do I love him? As a friend, definitely... anything more? I don't know. I've met him several times over the years and we both know that we have a good friendship. He is exactly as he portrays himself online, in fact he's much nicer in person.
1023314
Can't you just click on their picture?
731825
hahaha i've wondered that myself.... I think most of them are just pictures they found....since some people feel more liberated online then they do in the real world... the ones that yahoo lets you create are more closest to what we look like...you know... my avatar is close to me...except I'm not constantly smiling...
483997
Hair, smile, eyes, but what leaves a impression on you is her charater after you get to know her a bit.
868620
What exactly do you mean by casual. I do like that the por* aspect bothers you. Did you ever think to gt rid of the angry look on your avatars face and maybe then you will meet someone.
229863
do you mean when people go to images your picture would come up
706792
Cheeky Monkey, dear, your avatar is filled with excitement and such mischevious difference, its dying to be copied or even toyed with.  Look at the attention you gather from being one of the elite, just by those wanting to be you!  We don't always get that in life, so enjoy it!  You're admired, loved, wanted, and copied!  What more could you ask for! :)
432773
Well appearance is usually the first thing anyone notices about people. That is one advantage of the internet. You can, providing you are talking with honest people, get to know what a person is like before seeing what they look like.\nI don't judge people on their appearance, at least not deliberatley. I'm not one to just randomly talk to people or anything but if anyone comes to me, I always give them a chance. There are people who might be ugly on the outside. I know a lot of people will  what the person is like before getting to know them. I like to think I am that way
1093692
I don't think there is a diffrence. I liked talking to guys on here first so i could get to know them first and then meet them. I know people would probably think i am crazy but i met my husband on the internet. If i had never been in that chatroom i wouldn't have the good man i have today. Most people say that only ugly people online date but i think that is f**king crazy. Don't worry about what people think its your life and you may meet the man of your dreams...
751955
I think that people are more "open" on-line than in real life, so while you meet somebody on-line you know more about him/her, know more about his/her deep feelings, personality than if you knew them in real life. If you meet them they may seem different and you might feel cheated, but actually it's not because they were lying to you, it's because in real life we all try to put on the mask to fit in society.
155405
i don't think that's really god in his picture either, but it sure is funny!\n\nyou might use someone else's picture to help protect your anonymity, but then why would you bother to load a picture at all?   maybe people just think you're using the picture you are to create a persona to fit the way you answer questions, or to match your id name.  since we now know that's really you, i'll come right out and say you really 'look like' what i think a free spirit should...\n\nthe black and white is a nice touch...classy!