The Online Pecking Order?

Hey everyone,

I'm a new kid around these parts, and I just thought I'd reach out to you all with an open discussion of sorts. :3
I, as a college freshman with an interest in Emerging Digital Media, am no aspiring psychologist or psychiatrist. Surely, that statement alone has painted some kind of picture of who I am. The very act of openly expressing suggested strong intellectual points or hobbyist passions seem to have their ways of giving you and I an "aura" or presumed set of traits that stretches into personal relationships, friendships, introductions and first impressions, and yes, that of your online social circles. This leads me to ask for your opinions on the matter!


When are the assumed "credentials" (ie reported personal knowledge on a subject at hand, etc.) really put to the test in online communities, like this one?

How often have you come across an individual who claimed a higher knowledge of a particular subject for debate?

Aaaaannnnnnd

When you come across someone who claims higher knowledge, how often do you personally question them, or, in the cases with sites that encourage you to display your educational background, actually look into their academic history to see if they "check out"?


I know this may be an odd introduction, but I like to think that the best way to enter a new social territory is to hit the ground running. I look forward to seeing what you think!