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Real_Solitude -> RE: Internet Anonymity Is as Destructive as Internet Porn (4/30/2008 5:17:14 AM)
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That depends on the level on anonymity. If using the internet required me to disclose my real name, age, residence, etc... I wouldn't post on forums. Heck, I wouldn't use 90% of the internet. It would become purely a research tool, not one of entertainment. If a simple Google search for my name could turn up every post I've ever posted, I (and I presume many other people), would be barred from various types of employment.
I, for instance, could hypothetically be banned from holding public office in this state of Texas for my lack of belief in a supreme being.
I don't like pure anonymity, however. I like websites that require login to post. Having a username gives you a stake in that site. You have a base attachment to your username, and how people view that name. Some people might not care if their handle is slandered, but majority of people seem to attach themselves to their online handels to a deep enough extent to care how people respond to their name. They like others to like them, just as in real life.
There are only two real differences between internet communication and real-life communication, that I can see. The first is that here is no (or severely reduced) possibility of physical harm. In an internet conversation you can truly destroy someone's ideas without fear of physical harm. You can agree or disagree with someone as much as you feel psychologically comfortable with. This does allow trolls and flamers, but that's worth, to me, the second benefit.
The second difference is that, if you so choose, you can be judged completely by your ideas. You can be judged without ageist, sexist, or racial prejudice being laid on you before you even speak. You become an entity of thought, rather than a physical person with pre-conceived notions attached to those physical aspects.
Personally, I prefer anonymity. I find it informative with people mis-guess my gender, or age. I prefer to be judged on the quality and eloquence of my ideas.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Jhud
But as we both agree those who desire to do what is wrong are more likely to desire anonymity, it would follow that they would be more attracted to those places (like much of the internet) that allows for such anonymity, would it not?
That may be, but seeing as (from random Google statistic) 73% of Americans use the internet, normal people are obviously also drawn to the internet. The internet may serve as a refuge of those wishing to remain anonymous for negative reasons, but they have to find a place among the millions of people who seek the entertainment and fellowship of the net. It would be my guess that people who intentionally seek harm through anonymity are a minority.
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