AIBU to ask how often you chase your username, and why?

[TartanLassie]

I'm just about to change my username AGAIN! And wondered how often everyone else does?

For the first 10/12 years when we were young and innocent, I had the same user name. Well except for when we did the Secret Santas.

However for the last 5 or so years, I tend to change it every month or so. The main reason is because of security, you don't realise how much personal stuff you give away, even by changing names and ages of kids etc.

So when was the last time you changed?

Usually every several months or so.
Same reason as you. privacy.
Don't think it's wise to have everything all under one username, especially if you post a lot lol, as it all adds up, little bits here and there.

If I talk about work, an illness I have, my cats or a major life event - I change my name.

Think I've been on here for at least 15 years and have had 100's of names.

Last changed yesterday.

At least monthly but usually more frequently.

I change every couple of months. Was found out by a nosey mate of my ex-MIL who went on to look at my other posts & showed my ex one I’d posted about our relationship.
Am totally paranoid now - off to change again now I’ve said this!

Every few months. Even though I change some identifying details, I know at least one of my friends posts on here and I do think she would recognise me from my posts if she came across one (maybe she already has...).

I used to name change less often back when Chat threads disappeared after 90 days. But now that everything stays forever, I don't want all my posts being easily linked so I name change.

I never change mine. Happy with this one and can't be arsed faffing with it.

Every month or 10 -20 replies to posts, whichever is sooner. I have had some absolutely genius usernames that I'd love to resurrect but resist the temptation. There are some odd people on here with too much time on their hands!

Every couple of months. I post quite personal stuff and very outing, I'm usually looking for advice and if I kept the same name it would be so easy to link to me.

Never have done in the 6 years or so I've been here. Can't be arsed.

Never. Don’t see the point as I don’t overshare.
There would be less trolls around here if the name changing wasn’t so easy.

Ah so about 60% change names regularly. Thought it would be more.

Should have asked ages to see if it's an age thing to change your name, or bad experience in the past.

I usually change after I get my arse handed to me I'm a wuss

I change it weekly or so after I found out that off site FB groups and subs were trawling through posters history trying to work out who they were.

That’s a level of investment and strangeness that I don’t like.

I name change quite often after recognising someone on here who I’d only met in RL once but highlighted to me just how much information we offer up of ourselves.

Not for a while. I do, however, sometimes delete what I have written before posting because it coupd potentially make it easier to identofy me irl. Plus I am not posting anything too controversial anyway😁

I keep the same name and I wish others did. There are some regular posters who you get to know are a source of excellent and reliable advice - such as AtillatheMeerkat on abusive relationships, ErroltheDragon on feminist and science issues, PigletJohn on plumbing, etc.
I don’t share anything I would be afraid to have “outed”, so it doesn’t worry me.
I’m a retired doctor who has personally experienced a lot of things women ask about on here - including being widowed young, miscarriage, single parenthood, suicide of family members, long Covid infection, being a radical feminist, plus 36 years as a hospital doctor, so I can give (hopefully useful!) advice in quite a few areas beyond the obvious medical ones. By keeping the same name, I hope site users can have confidence from my past posts that I am to be trusted.

When I joined in 2011 keeping the same name was very much the norm IIRC. You would log in and lots of recognisable names would be there and you knew who you had things in common with (and who to avoid!).

Now namechanging seems more the norm and not name changing is eyed with suspicion and accusations of wanting to be 'known'. I think the hacking saw a huge increase in people deregging, signing back up and losing their original names.

Every time I think of something new.

I have about 10 usernames that I use for different themes, eg one only for Style, one for education etc. That way you don't tie too much info together.

How do you name change? Can you do it on the App?

Why not ?

once or twice a year. My life and health conditions are really outing.

I have had like 20 usernames since I joined MN about 14 years ago OMG

Everyday, like I change clothes. OK, not everyday but very often (no actual pattern so can't say). I rotate names though and use any of the old ones if I feel I want continuity on a particular issue or topic or with other posters.

I'm mostly shy and find it difficult if I'm 'known' because I like to blend in. I change for security and personal details reasons but also because I love usernames, they're fun. I always see or think of something different I want to go by, why restrict myself? I see it as an accessory, I don't use it to cause offence. It's the main reason I'm still on MN and engage much more here than other forums, after many years.

In addition, I like to observe people (both real life and online) and being anonymous has enabled me observe some specific kind of human behaviour on MN. It's an interesting place to be.

Off to change again - I've been meaning to use it for a month or so now. Excited!

TartanLassie my Daley army still has to keep a look out

Dalek!