Lately, I've been noticing a lot of different people using my pictures, my name, etc. The other day I happened to stumble across someone who used me as their profile picture of Facebook. They even used my second name and last name even though they used a different first name. They posted statuses as if they were me, had the exact same Facebook photo albums as me with all my pictures etc, and just seemed to act like me. on top of that, they were 'in a relationship' with someone who used my boyfriend's picture as a profile picture. Simply, they were stealing our identities. And that's not ok. They didn't state anywhere that it was a roleplay account or whatever, simply stole our information and photos, even my names. And even if it was a roleplay account, it's still not ok. Especially since they didn't ask me. Nor Sebastian.
And this is not the first time. I've seen other Facebook users. Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, KIK etc. I don't think it's ok. It sure if flattering in some situations, when people make sure to TELL that it's me in the picture and not them. I've seen others use my way of writing BIOs/Info, just editing so it matches them, and that's kind of cute. People who uses also call themselves things much alike my usernames and etc. It' flattering, because they get INSPIRED. They don't copy. They are just inspired by me and that's what I want to do.
Today Sebastian happened to find a roleplay account on Instagram. It used me as "Max", Aquamarine as "Rider", Frank Wolf as "Frank" and someone else, to roleplay 'gay roleplays' with other users. Sure, it's flattering in a way, that they think I'm attractive and nice to use as a character, but I, personally, also think it's creepy. That other fantasizes about me as someone else, doing sexual things etc. I'm not a fictional character like Dean Winchester, Eren Jaeger, Sebastian Michaelis, or whatever. I'm a real person. I'm flesh and blood, with a mind of my own. I have feelings, and I feel hurt when people make me into an object, or a toy, they can use as they wish. Like a doll they can play with.
Sure, I put up all those pictures and texts up on the Internet, for everyone to see. I share a piece of my life with you guys. I do that, for a reason. I write my honest thoughts and opinions here on my blog and other social medias. Just like many others do. And I can just suit myself if people steal my work or pictures. But don't you have any conscious at all? Don't you feel bad for making someone in to an object? You see my pictures, my videos, my walls of text. Would you have done the same if you had met me? Befriended me? FELT my feelings and thoughts, meeting me face to face? Would you do this to one of your friends? I would say, most if you probably wouldn't. I can say, I wouldn't.
When I was younger, I did the same a few times. Before I realized it was weird, and that I would feel weird if someone used me. This was before I started out with Instagram and everything. Then I started using drawn pictures. Sure, it's still someone's work, but it's not a person with feelings and thoughts of it's own, not like a human being.
I never, ever thought I would gain this much attention. It was never my intention in the beginning, but as I noticed more and more people started to follow me, give me feedback etc, I wanted to keep on going and see where it would lead me.
I'm aware of that this won't stop just with a snap of my fingers. But I want to put this out there. I want you to know my thoughts about this.
I don't like people using my pictures without giving me credit. I don't want you to use my pictures for roleplaying. I am, as I said, flattered if you mind me attractive or whatever. I'm SO grateful that you do, and your comments and compliments can make my shittiest day so much better. BUT, however. To use my as a character, do feel really strange. Especially as I know many roleplays includes a lot of romantic things and sometimes (well, quite often if you're a bit older) do have a sexual theme. I feel weird thinking someone else than my boyfriend thinking that of me, even if it's not "me".
You have the right to think whatever you want. It's your mind and fantasy. But what happens in your head stays in your head. It's different when you put it up online.
So guys... I have a favor to ask you. Please don't use my picture without asking me first. And if you get a no, please, do respect that. Show some respect. The same goes for anyone else. My boyfriend, my friends, whoever who puts up pictures online. Don't use their pictures carelessly. Be nice, and ask. it's not that hard. It's just really rude to use something someone else has created in some way. Think of how you want to be treated, and think twice. So many people are very careless online and it's just... not okay. We need to be nicer, show some politeness and be more kind. To keep Internet as nice as possible? There will always be rude and people who won't show respect, but they simple lack manners and it's just too bad that they can't be smarter about how they act.
Thank you if you took your time to read this. You all who support me means so much to me.
Many hugs, your little magical boy Jack
