Why Should Your Online Identity be Timeless?

A couple of years ago, I changed my Yahoo ID to match a pet name for an ex. Recently, I discovered what a big mistake I made.

The problem was, since it was named after my ex, my Yahoo ID left a decidedly feminine impression. It would always raise eyebrows whenever I’d ask someone to add me to their Messenger list. Reactions ranged from laughter, disbelief, and confusion over my sexual orientation. And the less you know about what Sasha thought of it, the better.

After enough embarrassment, I finally decided to make a switch and start from scratch with a brand new Yahoo account. Yes, it’s possible to manage multiple IDs on one Yahoo account, but it proved pretty confusing for me. Anyways, while crafting my new Yahoo identity, only one question occupied my mind: Would my new name remain applicable, no matter how much my life changed? I’m glad to say the answer is yes.

When you’re coming up with an online profile name, it should be timeless. It should work no matter what happens in the future. An easy way to do this is to choose a name that’s based on yourself, instead of someone else.

At the very least, this will save you from the stress of migrating your contact list to your new account, once you realize the dangers of letting others dictate what your online name should be.

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8 Responses to “Why Should Your Online Identity be Timeless?”

  1. 1 wysgal

    Or you could just use your real name for your YM ID. That keeps things simple … =)

  2. 2 Vyoma

    I am glad I kept my screen name as Vyoma. It is almost a decade now that I have been using it. :)

  3. 3 Rico

    wysgal: That works too! Though I like the anonymity an online alias allows.

    Vyoma: Hehe, maybe you should change your name legally to “Vyoma.”

  4. 4 Juned

    The power of names and real names :) A lot of Fairy Tales around have been built around that concept . So is it Ricowums? :)

  5. 5 Rico

    Uh… no. :P

  6. 6 Jonas Diego

    Rico-chico-chums? :D

  7. 7 Juned

    Rico-Chico-Bico-chums-wums :)

  8. 8 Rico

    Ok guys… getting carried away aren’t we? :P
    Damn you Jayvee!!!

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