Posted December 04, 2014
Didn't ever happen to me, but if someone addressed me as a girl online, I think I would clarify that I'm not. I wouldn't even consider it as "correcting", just trying to avoid misconceptions. To me it would feel wrong having the other one believe he's talking to a girl, like I was leading them on. At least that's my first thought, but then again, you're right, it doesn't really matter all that much, and being completely open and honest also seems like an unusual and maybe not always wise idea on the internet. I mean I don't use my RL name either. I guess it would come down to how interested I am in chatting with the other poster, how much I respect them, and whether it's someone I will continue talking to or someone completely anonymous that I probably won't 'stumble into' again online.
Anyway, if I myself address someone as something they're not, I would actually appreciate them 'correcting' me, I feel it would be more awkward if they don't, but I can also understand if someone prefers not to, as unfortunately it may lead to a different treatment, even unconsciously. On the other hand, the more common it becomes, maybe the less difference it will make. Personally I can imagine it might have a positive effect on discussions if some posters would realize they're not part of an homogenous and absolute majority, and that minorities or even equally big groups with supposedly different experiences and perspectives are 'listening in' on what they're 'saying'.
Anyway, if I myself address someone as something they're not, I would actually appreciate them 'correcting' me, I feel it would be more awkward if they don't, but I can also understand if someone prefers not to, as unfortunately it may lead to a different treatment, even unconsciously. On the other hand, the more common it becomes, maybe the less difference it will make. Personally I can imagine it might have a positive effect on discussions if some posters would realize they're not part of an homogenous and absolute majority, and that minorities or even equally big groups with supposedly different experiences and perspectives are 'listening in' on what they're 'saying'.