Why do users use invisible mode?

[device]

I'm not going to say too much regarding this topic, however I'd like to know why some users decide to use the "Invisible mode" option. I used to use this quite a bit, but now I see no need. This thread isn't for arguments, nor am I complaining about them being on invisible mode.

Now, a question for those using the feature. Is it because some users will stalk your profile or is there another reason behind it? I thought the "Bell Tree HQ" would be a nice place to put this. If you've got something to say regarding this topic, then please do speak up. I'd like to know all of your thoughts on this feature.

 

[hzl]

I don't know maybe they don't want to be mithered I guess. Or just prefer browsing in private.
I've never really found a need to use it to be honest

 

[lazuli]

people say they turn it on when theyre on mobile and unable to trade or somethin. idk how that'd work or why.

welcom back to the forums btw, kira

 

[lithiumlatte]

I mean, sure it can be a little confusing trying to trade with them sometimes, but the people that use it have their reasons

 

[tobi!]

I'm on mobile a lot and if someone I need to trade with sees me online, they'll vm me. Many times I don't see it so they think I'm ignoring them or I went offline just cause they vm'd me.

I also want to hide how much time I spend on this forum.

 

[Byngo]

I prefer browsing around on TBT privately, and there's probably some nutjobs that would bother me if I wasn't hidden.

 

[matt]

I see people permanently use the feature on the 3DS friend list which annoys me.
Generally people who I haven't seen online in ages I delete even friends sometimes
Its a shame to delete good friends who you confuse to have deleted you by never being online

 

[CozyKitsune]

I go on invisible mode. Mostly when I don't have my DS around. So when its not on invis mode I do and I can trade.

 

[Ayaya]

Other than the fact that I browse from mobile most of the time and probably wouldn't be available to talk, I don't really like how turning off invisible mode means that the website can track everything you do while online. It can show what thread you're currently viewing, and what you're currently doing. It may have its useful features but I'd be uncomfortable knowing people can track what I'm doing easily

 

[inkling]

I have it turned so as not to confuse people. I don't want my profile to say I'm online and available when I really am not. I just don't want to offend people. I prefer actually telling people when I'm available instead. I usually also inform tthem that I'm on invisible mode as well.

 

[device]

Thank you to all of you that responded, I always thought that they were on invisible mode so they could hide and then come out at us with ninja blade's. Aha, I'm joking of course. I used to use the feature, and I sometimes felt like browsing the site but not trading. So, that was my reasoning. I'll keep this thread open, as I'd like to see more thoughts on the feature and why those on invisible mode use it.

 

[Lady Timpani]

Other than the fact that I browse from mobile most of the time and probably wouldn't be available to talk, I don't really like how turning off invisible mode means that the website can track everything you do while online. It can show what thread you're currently viewing, and what you're currently doing. It may have its useful features but I'd be uncomfortable knowing people can track what I'm doing easily

Basically this for me.

If I know I might be away for a substantial amount of time, I usually turn it off so people know that I haven't been on and don't get miffed when I don't reply or whatever.

 

[p e p p e r]

i use it when i can't trade. so people don't think i'm ignoring them

 

[Azza]

I just like to browse privately also mainly because if people see you looking at a thread they might expect a response or somethin.

 

[0xalis]

I probably should use the invisible mode, considering that I leave my computer on for about 12 hours of the day... about 8 of which are spent sleeping with music on lol.

 

[Mayorofarcadia]

I sometimes use it when my anxiety is really high. It kinda takes pressure off me.

 

[Sorgatani]

Bell Tree uses vBulletin, so I assume that even if you are invisible, mods and staff members can see you.

I use 'invisible' mode on Skype because I'm often multitasking and don't want people to worry if my responses are slow/non-existent.

Here I don't worry too much, as I lurk more often than I post.

 

[infinikitten]

I sometimes use it when my anxiety is really high. It kinda takes pressure off me.

This is definitely my reason! Sometimes it's just stressful to know that anything you're doing can be seen by anyone who checks your profile. I've only used invisible mode when my anxiety has way up there (like right now! )

Similarly, I used to be on invisible on all my messenger programs because it let me choose when to initiate conversations. It gave me that little bit of power back to know that nobody would (reasonably) expect responses from someone who appears to be offline, so if they did start sending me stuff and I just wasn't feeling it, I could respond at a later time without worrying that I was making them feel like I was ignoring them.

And my computer is on 24/7, refreshing pages at regular intervals, so I don't want anyone thinking that just because the little green dot is lit, I'm up to do ACNL stuff or whatever. I could be asleep or not even home. I tend to get trades out of the way as soon as humanly possible so neither party has to worry about playing PM tag with the other, but still.

 

[Ragdoll]

i like it because then, i wouldnt feel obligated to reply to a message right away and it gives me peace.

im being honest rn hehe

 

[lizardon]

maybe some of them are checking forum during the class or work, and their teacher or family or boss are also forum member...