The Dark Side of Anonymity

The idea of anonymity is intriguing to many as keeping their identity a secret makes them able to ask questions without judgement and able to freely reveal their views. However, all internet users are under surveillance by others. Positive ideas can quite easily become negative. Anonymity in social media forums can lead to cyberbullying. However, being anonymous does not mean that users’ identities are untraceable. Being anonymous online is becoming an issue with governments as they try to maintain privacy rights and national security. The question is, which one is more important: privacy or keeping the nation safe from potential threats?

Being hidden online seems innocent until it destroys the online norms. According to Ari Erza Waldman from forward.com, when ”...interacting anonymously online, we interact with avatars, symbols, or screen names. This makes people online seem disembodied; they are ‘accounts’ rather than whole persons.” When having an anonymous conversation, we often forget that there is another person on the other side. Additionally, cyberbullying is quickly becoming the main issue with anonymity. The victims usually don't have the resources to find their cyberbully, and it is common for anonymous users to use social media that protects their rights. According to Joe Dawson from psychologicalscience.org , “ 4chan is often considered the putrid basement of the Internet, serving as a hub of racist, sexist, homophobic, grotesque images and text. 4chan’s mostly anonymous users are known for trying to one-up each other, disgust and ‘troll’ new users…”. Websites offer anonymity for security reasons, but should not allow cyberbullying and harassment that inflicts mental distress onto others.

Online anonymity is a big issue. There are laws on both sides of keeping anonymity and showing who you are. According to John Suler, “People tend to think of cyberspace as some kind of imaginary space without true boundaries, a space not to be taken too seriously – not subject to the same rules and standards as the ‘real’ world” (qtd. In Lufkin). The ability to submit anonymous tips is a great way to protect someone's identity without the idea of being found. However, instead of civil conversation, some anonymous users hide behind a screen and create rumors or show pettiness. They feel they are free to post about what they want, allowing others to share their opinions on certain topics.