Anonymity

Overview
Anonymity on the Internet has it's positive and negative effects. With the increased use of social networking sites, anonymity is becoming more and more prominent. Often, anonymity is housed through a person's avatar.

Case of Anonymity

 * Robert Epstein was browsing Internet dating websites, and connected with a woman because he was intrigued by her profile image. He began on online relationship with this woman, talking daily with her and exchanging personal, complicated information about emotions, feelings, thoughts, etc. After months of talking, Epstein realized his 'girl' was contradicting herself, saying she was talking to her friend while on a walk with her, however she was located in Moscow and it was the middle of Winter. After Epstein asked further questions, she ignored his query about the weather. Epstein then realized this woman he was speaking with intimately for the past for months actually had the identity of a computer. [2]

Positives of Anonymity
Self-Expression: Some people view anonymity online as a basic right in the United States. "Anonymity, so the argument goes, ensures governments cannot spy on citizens and thus guarantees privacy and free speech." [1]Individuals can express ideas, beliefs and thoughts on the Internet without the threat of being verbally attacked or judged. It is also great for networking with self-support groups for problems like addiction, disease, illness, etc. [3]

Negatives of Anonymity
Criminal Activity: On the other hand, anonymity leads many individuals, on social networking sites, or the web in general, to not be aware of what harm they are doing and the consequences it leads to. If someone is acting unjust or criminally though anonymity, many argue their identity should be revealed and that person should be responsible for those action. [1]Internet-based crimes, including, internet identity theft, harassment, credit card fraud, hacking etc. are increasing dramatically with the increased use of the Web. "While all this is dangerous enough, there is a much more ominous aspect to anonymity. Were anonymous communication to become the default, then it would be available, not just to the private citizen, but to the state and to those individuals comprising it. [1]"Bullying/Abuse: A person's identity is hidden, so they will partake in offensive behavior, such as, commenting negatively, harassing, etc. [3]