The antithesis in the title may have confused you. If so, good that was my intention. My other intention with this article is to explore anonymity on the internet, and how easy it is for people to put on a persona, fake age, fake their identity, pretend they have a Ph.D or pretend to be expert authority on calculus having forgotten the one times table.
In extreme cases it can lead to extortion and exploitation. I am sure you have heard stories about the fat 40 year old (we'll call him Dave for no particular reason) who is – according to Myspace, Bebo and co– a pretty 10 year old girl that has pig tails with little pink ribbons and loves nothing more than playing with Barbie's and wearing frilly pink tutus. But he really has a, darker, ulterior motive...
Thankfully, the extreme cases are rare and will hopefully stay that way. But the smaller cases that you can describe as annoying are more than dangerous are still are huge problem on the internet. For example on SearchWarp you read the writers bio and refer to them by their name. But how do you know that is who they are? I can assure you that I am who I say I am but how do you know I'm not lying? For all you know I could be the 10 year old girl with the Barbie's and the pink frilly tutus. I'm not but you don't know that. But I'm not Dave.
You see what I mean? You, Mr or Mrs Internet Surfer, haven't got a clue. The only person you know is who they say they are is you – you're not good enough to deceive yourself surely. It is sad but very true.
Alas, that is the internet and it seems there is not much we can do about it. The only thing I can do and recommend to you is that you treat everybody as being who they say they are but at all times proceed with caution – it may be Dave!
In addition anonymity can lead to some pretty nasty comments, emails and even slanderous writing. You see, since no-one knows who they are they can virtually do what they like and not be held accountable as unless they are sitting in the shop they bought the computer the IP address is about as much use as page three in the Sun for political commentary.
On the other hand, the idea of not revealing your identity and being able to be who you want to be adds to its popularity. I bet most of you have a screen/ internet name for sites that you either don't want an affiliation to or simply you want people to get the wrong idea of you. For example if you are the school bully but have a passion for classical ballet you would use a screen/internet name as you have your image to maintain.
So really as much as it is annoying having to question whether people are who they say they are, it adds to the popularity of the internet. But there is a line between using anonymity to protect yourself and using anonymity to damage others – be careful not to cross it… people can get you back.
Thus, the internets greatest problem is it's greatest asset and we will all just have to get used to it.
Connor Davidson is a published writer and soon to be author:
He is currently writing a book with fellow SW author Cameron Home
He has expertise in science, history, politics,maths and English.
He writes articles for many publications by request. To get him to write for your publication email him at connorwjdavidson@gmail.com
He writes a weekly column for SearchWarp while also writing for Webgazine, Mind Bust, Icepop, Scientific Blogging and eHow.
Don't forget you can vist my site (www.connordavidson.yolasite.com) and I am now on Twitter for you to follow (if you want).
Interesting and insightful Connor, thanks for writing. I realize, that for some, a venue where you can be someone else and create a whole new persona is irresistible.
I think, however, more powerful is the pull to be a part of some community where you can be who you really are; where your voice gets a hearing in a way it would not have otherwise. At least that's one woman's opinion .... oops... I, I mean one man's opinion (have to remember I'm Edward online).
Thanks again Connor If-That's-Who-Really-Are Davidson :)!
Good, thought provoking article. I like the point made about people saying things or making comments they wouldn't otherwise make under their own names. It's a great insight to human nature.
You did not fool me, I was with you all the way. ...Smile... However, it took me a while to grasp, and of course, I was too old to understand. However, your readings are always good to stretch my mind. Very good article for amusement from a young mind.
so true;that gorgeous blonde who flirts with you,from L.A. might well be a 300 pound longshoreman in Passaic N J ;but,then how do we know whom YOU are,for that very reason?(just teasing)nice job;paul
While there is a great purpose to the internet, the personal interactions that we have each day will always be most important in my mind. Thank you for your thoughts.
Good article, and yes it's good to be on your guard for that occasional deceptive person, whether they are on the internet or in person. I didn't even think of not using my real name when I signed up here.
Thank for an insightful article. I'm seeing some of this anonymity in my own experience. My published website is only just 3 months old and already I'm getting unmentionable emails - you know the kind. While on the one hand we want public recognition and attention, and we work hard to get people to visit our sites, on the other hand the internet bums are finding the site too. Perhaps even more of them - I'm getting bombarded with these types. If they get discovered doing their "stuff," they just get another email account, yada yada. So it goes. Your article says volumes about what goes on. Thanks for writing the article and getting the perspective out there. I'm still learning it.
It is so frustrating having a site. I always like to make it possible for people to get in contact as I get some great genuine opportunities. But you get the annoying junk the threatening junk and the junk junk.
Thanks for the reply to my comment Connor. I had a real warning today - had someone try to get a Phisher through from PayPal. Clever. On my domain emails. Dead giveaway because I have a special email for certain accounts that I do not publish. I didn't realize it when I set them up, but thank goodness I did. Nice talking with you. I'll follow your articles with interest.
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