Ever wonder if that person you met online was really who he or she said they were? With everyone posting personal information on Web sites such as MySpace.com, you’re bound to come across some pretty fantastical profiles.

Adam “Buddy” Burgess, a senior English major, has been a member of MySpace since a friend of his turned him on to the idea.

“A friend of mine, I can’t even remember who, told me [MySpace] was the place to be,” Burgess said. “So I gave it a shot. That’s what friends are for.”

Burgess, however, is very particular about who he associates with on MySpace. He makes no secret that if he doesn’t consider someone a friend in the real world, they shouldn’t bother trying to “friend” him on MySpace either.

“I don’t see the point in random people adding someone just so they have a huge number of friends,” Burgess said. “It’s like a cyber-popularity contest. I’d rather not bother.”

His profile is full of angst and, according to him, can get a little intense sometimes, so one would never know he is being watched by a gorilla.

“[People] would not know that I have a giant stuffed gorilla staring over my shoulder whenever I’m at my computer,” Burgess said. “I got him as a gift from a very wonderful person who knows about my love for monkeys. He doesn’t have a name yet but I’m open to suggestions and [he’s] so well-mannered, I’d never lock him in my closet.”

Ignoring the monkey on his back, Burgess does not consider himself a typical college student. Instead of following the crowd, Burgess prefers to stick to his guns.

“We all know the stereotypes [of college students]: party hard, increased social status based on hookups and keg stands,” Burgess said. “That’s just not me.”

Instead, Burgess focuses on being true to himself on a mental and spiritual level. He also encourages others to be true to themselves.

“I have respect for people that can hold strong to their ideals, even when they may clash with the ‘norm,’” Burgess said.

Burgess is not one to judge a book by its cover. One of his biggest issues lately has been equal rights. Even on MySpace, Burgess is a proud supporter of equal rights for same-sex couples. He has even written to several politicians about the issue.

“I can’t tolerate discrimination of any kind,” Burgess said. “There’s no reason to infringe upon the rights of any person when he/she is doing no harm. Love is love, and when we start restricting such a basic, necessary, positive idea, things are getting out of hand. It seems like every few generations in this country some minority is being oppressed. I’m willing to fight for what’s right in my time.”

After receiving a recent e-mail about California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s intention to veto the Equal Marriage Bill, Burgess even got up the gumption to call “the Governator’s” office to voice his opinion on the issue.

“I have not gotten any response,” Burgess said. “The number [I dialed] led to an automated service and I left a pleasant voicemail for the powers that be answering services.”

Burgess also has written several Illinois politicians about the issue as well. He even received responses from senators Richard Durbin and Peter Fitzgerald.

“They gave me the ‘thank you for your interest in government; we take the concerns of all our constituents into consideration’ type responses,” Burgess said. “I wasn’t expecting much else, though.”

Still, Burgess advised anyone who has a firm belief in something to not be shy about voicing his or her opinion, so long as they voice it appropriately.

“I was able to find my representatives’ contact information online,” Burgess said. “After that, just speak your mind. I wouldn’t suggest saying anything threatening, though.”