Anonymity

The last unit we did really caught my attention with the idea of anonymity. I think it is an interesting topic to explore. Anonymity is the idea that people mask their identities through the internet. I know that I have used anonymity to my advantage in certain situations. If someone I do not know tries to communicate with me through the internet I will act like I’m someone else or just block them. Also I think the idea of anonymity can apply even if the person you are talking to knows who you are. It’s the idea that they can not see you through the computer so in a sense you feel invisible or anonymous. I tend to say things I wouldn’t usually say nor have the guts to say within an internet conversation than a FTF conversation. This happens especially when I’m arguing or fighting with someone over the internet. I feel a lot more comfortable saying my feelings because I am only typing them into the computer I am not actually FTF with someone. It also makes it easier not seeing how someone reacts or their facial expressions. I feel that anonymity gives me a sense of power and invisibility. In another sense, the use of anonymity can be dangerous. Popular sites such as MySpace, and Facebook, make it a lot easier for sexual preditors, or crazy people to harm others. We hear about this behavior just about everyday through the media. To conclude, in my opinion, anonymity can be a good or bad thing, depending on who and how it is being used.