Mizuki
When you hear the phrase "real life social graph," you might think it includes all real human relationships, but if you really think about it, real life doesn't only include actual acquaintances. That's because you also interact with strangers a lot in the real world.
Kondo
Yes. Also—especially on America's social networks—I feel like there is an idea that you should have one personality. But the reality is different.
Mizuki
Yeah, that's right!
Iwata
An American friend of mine said, "On the Internet, people are always watching, so you have to be consistent about what kind of a person you are, so it's difficult to let loose even in private time". In that respect, we all live in a visible world because of how common social networks have become. While that world may be convenient, it can also be constraining in ways that didn't exist before.
Mizuki
I understand. You punch in bland comments like "Happy Birthday!" without a thought. (laughs)
Kondo
Right, right! (laughs) But I think that such variety—having a self who interacts with friends and a self within video games—is good.
Iwata
I suppose a lot of people hit the OFF switch when they don't have to interact with real life acquaintances and assume different personalities.
Mizuki
For that reason, there is a trend among social networks that you must use your real name. The Miiverse, however, doesn't specify that. You can simply display your Mii nickname.
Iwata
While it's extremely rare, communities can break down because of rude people taking advantage of anonymity. Using real names is a way to put the brakes on that, but if you are tied together by empathy, I feel like real names become less important. I think it is important to be tied together by shared sentiment that way.
Mizuki
Yes.