Anonymity and the Internet

Since the beginning of school, our English class has been discussing the Internet. What is the Internet and how does it influence our lives? Issues such as personal identity, social networking, and anonymity have been discussed. Where does one draw the line with anonymity and the Internet? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? I believe anonymity on the Internet can breed both positive and negative effects.

In a blog entitled "Engineering Ethics Blog," a man who recently kept his identity a secret, decided to reveal his name. After explaining his reasons for revealing his identity, he asks his readers, "Should we throw up our hands and say that cyberspace anonymity is neutral? Absolutely not. It depends on how it's used. If anonymity encourages otherwise shy people to risk more in the way of human encounters, then it may be a benefit. If a criminal uses it the same way he'd use a mask, then it's wrong." I totally agree with the blogger's assessment of anonymity. Anonymity on the Internet is both good and bad depending on one's reason for anonymity. Many people use the Internet to create a completely new self. People are often embarassed to express their opinions or beliefs unless they do it anonymously. The Internet allows people to express themselves in ways they never thought possible. It enables them to meet people and create relationships that otherwise never would have happened. Although the relationships are superficial due to anonymity, it allows the person to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. Anonymity also enables people to express their true opinions. Many people often worry about criticism and failure. Due to their anonymity, these individuals know that their opinions will never be traced back to them. The anonymous Internet users can often teach others about politics, religion, and other debatable issues that otherwise never would have been posted on the Internet.

I am not saying that anonymity always breeds positive effects. Anonymity on the Internet can often lead to negative effects as well. Criminals often hide behind anonymity or create an entire new person online. They often use anonymity to create relationships with others. They trick people into believing that they are actually the person they portray themselves to be on the Internet. This can often turn into a stalker relationship or sexually abusive relationship. Many men use the Internet to stalk or even meet young women. He might portray himself to be an attractive, young man, when actually he is a sick, old man with filthy desires. Anonymity on the Internet is used for numerous reasons. While some users use anonymity for positive reasons, others use it for dangerous reasons. Although there are many harmless anonymous Internet users, it is never safe to trust anonymous Internet users, for we do not know their reasons for anonymity.