Online Identity Issues
In a small group, first names are enough to uniquely identify everyone. In a larger group such as a school or even a city, full names usually suffice as unique identifiers. On the internet, as I’ve discovered, full names are often no longer enough to uniquely identify people. In a world of 6 billion people it would be naive to think an average two word name is unique. In the past this wasn’t a problem, people sharing the same name would rarely encounter each other.
The internet has changed things. I’ve read that 6 degrees of separation has become 3 degrees online. Suddenly a decent portion of those 6 billion people can be reached with a couple of mouse clicks. What does this mean? It means we can now encounter our namesakes with a simple Facebook or Google search.
I Google my name often. It’s not about vanity, I just like to know what other people see when they Google my name. About 2 years ago I learned I’m not the most famous Michael Dowse in the world. A mildly successful Canadian film director shares the name. Michael Canada Dowse (as I like to call him) has directed several films including “It’s all gone Pete Tong” which I’ve heard is rather good.
Mistaken Identity
Last year I received this Facebook message:
“My name’s ——- ——-, a young director in Toronto. Please visit my website: —————.
I wanted to contact you to see if there’s any way we could ever meet up for coffee or lunch. I’ll buy. I am working on my first feature film and would love some pointers. I really respect you as a filmmaker and your advice would be more than appreciated.
Please let me know if this is possible. Thanks!!”
Hilarious. And this is why everyone needs an online avatar that actually shows their face.
Further experiments
Inspired by Nick, I added everyone called Michael Dowse on Facebook as a friend, just for fun. There are a few internet literate Michael Dowses around. One is a bus driver in the UK. This one is by far the most interesting though. He’s called Michael Dowse, was born 2 weeks after me and we even look similar. He lives in South Africa though so I don’t intend to meet him anytime soon.
In order to prevent any future confusion I have claimed the title of second most famous Michael Dowse in the world and created a site to distinguish myself at www.michaeldowse.name.
What about you?
Apart from domain name struggles (everyone has those) does anyone else have issues like this? Do you have a famous, or not so famous namesake?
