I don't like it when this happens

[childofmary1143]

For those of us who use IM you know that we all have a Buddy or Friend list and that it tells us when they are online. Due to this form of medium we really don’t know if in a conversation we are talking to them or someone at their computer.

A few times that has happened to me and it has gotten me thinking that this is PERHAPS sinful (venial) as to impersonate someone else would certainly be a sin? With so many free accounts to do IM there is no reason why a person can’t get their own.

What does everyone think?

 

[Scout]

I understand what you’re saying, and that can be a problem. Perhaps you could set up some kind of a password between yourself and those you IM, so you’ll know for sure who you’re talking to and you’ll feel safer.

Just a thought.

Scout :tiphat:

 

[kevstar31]

gpg could be used. If your not sure who your talking to have them sign the current time and date.
NOTE: I am a little paranoid.

 

[Loren_1of6]

In our family of six, we have one internet account. My husband and I both have IM identities, but my profile is usually the active one because I use it more than he does. When he is online and “sees” someone he wants to talk to, he uses my account. He usually starts out by stating that he is him and not me.

My sister and her husband are occasionally online at the same time with the same identity, so if I IM her, he might answer. Ince they know who I want to chat with, the other leaves the conversation.

In other words, we use common courtesy to ensure that one knows to whom one is speaking at all times. If that were not the case, I would let a friend know that someone was using his or her identity to talk to me as soon as I realized it was happening. If I found out that someone was pretending to be me on my computer, their access would be immediately cut off.