We have discussed anonymity in the way of trolling, but I want to talk about it in the other facets of our internet lives. Personally, I prefer to be anonymous. I'm not going out and trolling anyone, but it just makes me feel better to know that other people don't know me and can't tie my words to me. I think it comes from the fact that I'm so worried about other people's judgment sometimes, especially on my ideas because they are such a vital part of me. I don't often use the power of anonymity in that way, but it is a preference.
Another way that I am anonymous online (which I'm not very proud of) is on social media. I might lurk on someone's page a little if they are public. I know other people do this, but I'm still ashamed to admit it. Or maybe other people don't do it and I'm just crazy. Either way, sorry. This just proves how open social media can be. It connects you to so many people, but are they always the right people? People can learn so much about you through a little profile. It is just a little sacrifice we make.
So my questions to you are what is your take on online anonymity in all forms? Do you ever use it to your advantage? Do you keep your account on private to keep people from lurking or just because you don't want random people to be able to look in on you?
I agree with you on being concerned with other people's judgement. I too prefer animosity online when it comes to that because I'm so scared that someone can come to me and attack my views and take their meaning away from me leaving me with nothing. I do think it's helpful for the more shy folks online who just aren't quite ready to have the world know about their opinions.
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