DGannon wrote:LOL no, I've been using the Internet a long time. With anonymity, people pretend to be things that they're not. Online, you are more likely to encounter a guy who says he's a girl than a girl who says she's a girl. This is very common knowledge.
I can't help but use roobean as a popular instance of this. I'm still unsure of roobean's gender. Roobean often holds a sarcastic and playful tone, so I'm never quite sure when roobean is being truthful.
The belief that the percentage of females is over reported seems to be based on the belief that males will lie about their gender more often than females. I must admit I hold this belief as well. People may say they are female because being female (in this community) is uncommon and therefore unique and special. People like to be special.
If you are female, announcing you are female makes you special
and truthful.
If you are female, announcing you are male makes you ordinary and a liar.
If you are male, announcing you are female makes you special, but a liar.
If you are male, announcing you are male makes you truthful, but ordinary.
Why would a female choose to be ordinary and a liar? She wouldn't. However, a male could potentially choose to be special over truthful.
If the last three poll options had not been there, I feel like the large majority of the trolls would have chosen female.
Nonetheless, all of the regular players (besides for Roobean) who say they are female I am convinced to be as they've talked enough in chat / posted a pic of themselves.
