Being anonymous online allowed people to be more authentic or more toxic?
By Anish Asokan
@RevivedWarrior (2935)
India
January 18, 2025 12:56am CST
Internet has given mankind great opportunities such as to learn, to earn and express themselves etc. Being anonymous is a great ability that internet has occupied each of us with. It is a great power to have.
Being anonymous, many individuals feel free from judgement and hence they express their personal struggles, ask for suggestions and discuss controversial issues. There are many online support groups and forms which thrice thanks to users feeling secure in expressing themselves without facing any backlash. This has allowed even marginalized voices to be heard.
At the same time, lack of accountability can lead some users to harmful behaviours such as cyberbullying, trolling and hate speeches. There is toxic behaviour and even online harassment.
Recently , I heard of a journalist who is getting harassed online for exposing a scandal. At the same time , I also heard from a person who was recovering from depression , the many comforts and supports he received from anonymous users online.
Do you feel that being anonymous online allowed people to be more authentic or more toxic?
2 people like this
3 responses
@JudyEv (343614)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
You've pointed out good arguments for both sides. It's a shame that some use anonymity to be unkind or even hateful.
@pitsipeahie (5031)
•
2h
It can obviously go either way—it really depends on the person. Some people use it to be real and share stuff they wouldn’t otherwise, but let’s be honest, not everyone’s nice. A lot of people just end up using it to be toxic because they know they won’t get called out. It’s got its pros and cons, for sure- just like anything in this world has its good and bad side, advantages and disadvantages!
