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If I'm meeting somebody for the first time, I don't look…

“If I'm meeting somebody for the first time, I don't look them up on Wikipedia, or I try not to, because I would not want somebody to be thinking they knew me based on that. It's like even private citizens have to deal with this persona phenomenon.” quote by Mary Gaitskill
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“If I'm meeting somebody for the first time, I don't look them up on Wikipedia, or I try not to, because I would not want somebody to be thinking they knew me based on that. It's like even private citizens have to deal with this persona phenomenon.”

Mary Gaitskill

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Avoiding online research preserves authentic first impressions and prevents preconceptions.

In simple terms: Don’t look people up before meeting them.

Key Takeaway

Meet people without pre‑judgment.

Themes

authenticity first impressions privacy digital identity

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

relational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • first dates
  • networking events
  • online introductions

Key Concepts

social media self‑presentation interpersonal trust

Questions to Reflect On

  • What assumptions do you make from digital footprints?
  • How can you stay present in new encounters?
A Different Perspective

Online profiles can bias perception and hinder genuine connection.

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