Which of the following statements is more accurate in your opinion?

[Adam Griffin]

I actually think there is an equally-compelling argument that can be made for each, but I don't feel like writing a dissertation just yet. What do you think?

[Mr. Smith]

Opt. 2 for the purposes of this thread

Everyone knows the internet is where people go to be utter Nixons to others because of anonymity, and Atlas is no exception.

I don't think that RL personality is completely detached, but it takes a certain level of detachment in the first place to seriously debate anything here.

Even moreso when you have views even just slightly out of the establishment's thinking.

[Gustaf]

Option 1, because I think most people aren't outright trolling or living in some complete denial.

[Antonio the Sixth]

The truth is somewhere between those two, but probably closer to the second. The anonymity of the internet changes the behavior of anyone.

[checkers]

Eh, I find that I'm pretty much unable to transcend my real-life limitations on the internet in any real way, though that might just be a product of my individual personality.

[Torie]

I have no idea, but the few posters that I have met, conformed to my impression of them here. I certainly think I am about the same in real life, as here, warts and all.

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Someone's "real life" personality is something of a performance as well.

[traininthedistance]

Lean towards Option 1.  Sure, you have socially awkward folks who feel more comfortable speaking up in text rather than in person, that's a thing that happens (and I'd assume applies to 90% of us here). 

But if you're going to the internet for the purpose of being an "utter Nixon", then chances are that's who you really are deep down and it's your real life persona that's fake. 

[Miles]

Pretty easily option 1.

[IceSpear]

Depends on the person, and for mostly everyone it's likely a shade of gray rather than black or white.