Anonymity and the Web

The anonymous nature of the Web has been one of the main factors in promoting its growth. The perception that you can go anywhere; do and say anything; is enormously attractive to many. I like to think of it as a similar attitude to that people adopt when in their cars.

Sadly, this analogy stretches to cover the kind of selfish and abusive behaviour frequently inflicted on others by a few, often otherwise stable, human beings. There have been numerous documented cases of Web rage including verbal abuse, death threats, even ending in physical violence.

Would removing the Web’s trademark anonymity help prevent this type of unacceptable action? Would people do this if they really thought others might see them and know what they’ve done? For my money I think, barring the usually real world crazies, most wouldn’t.

In accepting this type of approach though, don’t we run the risk of exposing ourselves to other attacks, such as identity theft? We usually try hard not to expose more about ourselves than strictly necessary and this seems completely contrary to those goals.

As Web authors, we take the decision to publish, and I guess we need to consider all that may come with it. Authors have suffered from hate mail and stalkers for generations and I’m afraid it comes with the territory. However, making public comment is just another form of publishing; so, in my estimation, even those who only comment should do so using their own identity. After all, for those who create, we must know who you are to understand your views.

That said, for those who consume and simply enjoy surfing the Web and reading the views expressed there; anonymity provides the chance to learn in relative safety. For some that anonymity can genuinely be a matter of life or death, and I support your right to access and privacy.