The internet is an awesome paradox. I did the same thing on CB
  Radio as a kid - pre internet - and on bulletin boards (BBS's) -
  like WarGames - pre-Internet -- and I think I was attracted to
  these things precisely for that reason: I could be who I am
  inside, which is not necessary who I am as a "whole" - with the
  flaws and the "I need my morning coffee go-away" and such hidden
  away nicely. They're all just brain-chemistry-gone-haywire
  anyway. (low seratonin type stuff or whatever from lack of sleep
  or whatever) - -- and I'm going to steal that line by the way --
  and to answer #2 - thankfully we don't have to deal with the
  pythons. My God they're Everywhere! "