Anonymity Over The Internet

The Internet has become one of the most popular resources in the modern world. The Internet allows anyone to post anything that they choose without having any consequences. For example, people can post their thoughts on religion, race, or gender completely anonymously over the web and allow thousands of people to read their post. These posts can sometimes be beneficial and educational, but they can also be very disrespectful to people who have different beliefs then the writer.

Being anonymous allows bloggers and writers to have a freedom of speech without having to worry about others knowing who they are. People can be more open about their thoughts on religion, race or gender related disputes. Being anonymous allows people to be themselves. It allows individuals to feel safe when expressing their opinions. The negative aspect of an individual only sharing their beliefs and opinions anonymously makes it hard for the “real people” in an individual’s life to know they really are and how they really feel. (Trahan, 2011)

Everyone in the world has different beliefs and opinions about certain topics. For example when two individuals are having a conversation about their thoughts on religion, they may not physically say what they are truly thinking. But as soon as they hide behind a computer screen they become a new person and write things that they would never say to anyone face to face.

           

The Internet is changing. Anonymity is starting to become harder to come across. Websites like Facebook or twitter are starting to connect them selves to every online tool there is. Making it harder for individuals to stay anonymous while roaming the Internet. A recent article stated that the Internet is transitioning into a new era where anonymity will no longer be as easy as it once was. (Manfred, 2012)

Manfred (2012) also stated that in logic, once anonymity isn’t as safe as it once was, the only people who will be racist online will be those who are openly racist in the real world and dumb teenagers.

The Internet has opened many doors for a number of people. It’s a way that people can express their feelings and opinions freely. But people should be more respectful when sharing their opinions. Everyone has the right to post what they believe, but there is no reason for anyone to criticize a religion just because they do not like what kind of clothes they wear, or what kind of food they eat. There is no need to disrespect a religion with threatening and discriminating statements. If you cannot express how you feel openly with the public, then there is no reason for you to be sharing it on the Internet.

Citations:

Manfred, T. 2012. Why is the Internet so Racist?. Business Insider. http://www.businessinsider.com/internet-racism-2012-5

Trahan, D. 2011.  The Pros and Cons of Anonymity Online. Engage Teens. http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/148008/#axzz2h60ARVmD