When I first started playing in online chat rooms over ten years ago I tried out every personality, sexual orientation, gender and fetish I cared to experiment with. It was technically lying I suppose, but the goal was to get a quick fix of strange and explore a new concept (cybersex). I learned quite a bit about how others, specifically women, are treated online and what many have to put up with, as well as how to more effectively interact with them in this unique environment. After much experimentation and a seemingly endless list of screennames, I came to realize that for me, it's much more fun and enjoyable to just be myself and not misrepresent.

As for lying thru omission, many people perhaps are just not willing to face or confront the truths that are evident in their 'real' life, and wish to run from them by constructing an elaborate fantasy online. And like playing with knives, its always fun until someone gets hurt.

I'm not opposed to elaborate fantasy, I just think it needs a to come with a warning sticker.