Secret Identities

            Anonymity gives people a boost of confidence that leads them to feel invincible and as though they can say and write whatever they feel, without considering the consequences. This sense of power leads individuals to bully, and discriminate against other people, since they know no one will figure out who they are. Anonymity frees us to say what we believe without fear of contradiction or retaliation making us braver to be our true selves. No one knows who is sitting behind the screen, so people feel as though they can say what’s on their minds without getting reprimanded for it. People say controversial things online because they feel safe in their own home, as compared to saying it in class where people can start screaming at them or even follow them and threaten them. Online you can have individuals post rude things on your blog but that’s not as intimidating as someone confronting you face-to- face.

            People use anonymity to say how they are truly feeling. A lot of individual’s friends and family influence them on their beliefs and values, but when they have different inputs on certain matters, they are afraid to voice their opinions. Anonymity online allows these people to speak freely, and without hesitation of what others will think of them. They can bare their soul because they know anonymity protects them. Forums for individuals to talk freely about their race, religion or anything in their lives are online. These sites help people get their feelings off their chests and allow them to speak freely without restrictions, or fear of others judging them. Traditions, ethnic background, and habits are a part of our identity, and they attribute to who we are. A lot of people can’t talk about their race and what comes with it, without having people judge them or misunderstanding what they are trying to say. Online anonymity gives them a platform to talk freely about their race, and beliefs. Anonymity shows who we really are, compared to face-to-face interaction, since individuals feel the need to hide parts of themselves until they know each other better. Reading Youtube comments on songs, such as Rebecca Black, Friday or any other comments online is not the best place to create lasting friendships with an individual. People are usually a lot harsher on these comments then what they are in real life. Using a blog to get initial information about someone would be the best way to learn the truth about others, since they are usually very truthful and honest because of the anonymity.

            Individuals haven’t realized though that the more they post about themselves anonymously, the more they’re sharing about themselves and losing their anonymity.