Chatting Anonymously on Daily Postcard: My Experience

 

     For this special learning activity, I explored anonymous text-based communication using the app Daily Postcard, which connects strangers through digital postcards. The goal was to experience how conversations unfold when identity is partial or hidden, and to reflect on how it feels to disembody oneself in digital interaction. While the idea was to create a completely new identity, I found it challenging to do so and instead kept some genuine personal information alongside altered details to feel safe yet authentic.

    I started the interaction by posting a simple letter on Daily Postcard that expressed my desire to make friends. This straightforward message attracted several responses, including one from a user named PhantomOfUs, who initiated a conversation by asking: “Hello, what's your opinion on dating an Indian guy?” This question sparked an open and respectful cultural discussion. I shared my thoughts, saying dating someone from a different culture sounds like a great opportunity to learn and that what matters most is kindness and honesty between people. Our sharing of views set a positive tone.

     PhantomOfUs then revealed a personal preference: he shared that he would love to date a Filipina. I responded gently, explaining I’m still young and focused on my studies, so I preferred we be friends. He asked my age and learning that I am 20 years old and a college student, he said he was 25, balancing both work and graduate studies. He mentioned working with the state department and pursuing a master's degree, while I shared I am studying Arts in English Language Studies and also learning Korean as part of my course. When he said “Saranghaeee,” I asked if he knew what it meant, and we talked about our favorite K-dramas, with him recommending Goblin.

    Our chat naturally moved into more casual topics, like height where I shared, I am 5’4”. When I asked why he preferred Filipinas, he replied they are “protective, loyal, and sexy,” adding that even though I suggested women from other countries might have these traits too, he said he’d still choose a Filipina. I closed this part of the conversation with a light-hearted assurance that someday he would find a Filipina who accepts him.

     In managing my identity, I was cautious. I used a cropped profile photo showing only from my eyes to my mouth to retain some privacy. I modified details such as age, height, and name, while still revealing my course and country Philippines. This balance helped me feel safe but genuine. Instead of my usual emojis, I typed emoticons like :) to subtly express feelings, which suited the text-based anonymous environment.

     Initially, I found it a bit hard to keep the conversation engaging because I wasn’t sure how to start or develop topics. However, once we found shared interests—like culture and K-dramas—the chat became much easier and more enjoyable. The absence of face-to-face made it a bit challenging for me but also refreshing, emphasizing words over visual and social signals.

 

    This experience with Daily Postcard taught me a lot about how anonymity shapes online communication. Beginning with a simple invitation to make friends prompted honest conversations. Carefully balancing real and altered personal details ensured safety without sacrificing authenticity. Symbolic markers like cropped photos and emoticons helped create a partially visible disembodied self. Although sustaining the conversation at first was challenging, finding shared interests made it flow naturally. The experience was good and insightful, showing that meaningful connections can happen even when parts of our identities remain hidden in online spaces.