Anonymous Online Presence and Harassment
The option to remain anonymous is a prevalent feature in information technology and online platforms. Anonymity is commonly associated with namelessness, detachment, and lack of recognition. Anonymity is defined as a state of being unidentifiable by others due to a lack of coordination between known and unknown trait(s) that an individual possesses [1]. Each trait is a part of a collection of unique interconnected traits that make up one’s identity. The disunion of these identifying attributes allow an individual to remain unknown.
For example, platforms such as Reddit.com structure user accounts to have pseudonyms or fictitious names that mask identity[2]. Anonymity can result in positive outcomes such as supporting free expression, however it also cultivates an environment of negativity, harassment, and ethical implications.
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Reasons for Anonymity Online
While there are many reasons an individual may want to remain anonymous online some include free self expression without identification, avoiding consequences as a result of questionable actions, minimizing discrimination, and privacy. These reasons may overlap and are not mutually exclusive. In all these cases anonymity serves as a form of protection from a potential repercussion. The nature of anonymity allows behavior online that can potentially be positive, negative, or neutral.
Positive Examples of Online Anonymity
Virtual Support Groups
Individuals experiencing hardship or trauma may seek support groups and community to heal. Online platforms and technology provide people with quick and convenient access to a variety of online communities where they can connect with others. For example, a sexual abuse survivor may choose to refrain from revealing their identity due to the responses they could receive for revealing sensitive information. A common feature on these platforms is the ability of others to comment and interact with posted content. The context of a sexual abuse post may elicit different types of responses. The victim is able to protect their mental health and well being by using anonymity as a shield. In this case anonymity is fostering a supportive environment for a socially stigmatized topic[3].
Soliciting Honest Feedback in the Workplace
In the workplace environment it can be difficult for managers to solicit honest feedback from employees. Employees may be concerned with job security and potential backlash for pointing out a workplace concern. A 2019 study, resulted in many respondents advocating for anonymous input in order for leaders to receive legitimate feedback. In this particular study, the feedback was often in the form of an anonymous survey and online portal for the company. Employees felt they had a voice and one respondent explained how anonymity eliminated the fear of repercussions [4].
Product and Service Customer Reviews
Shopping websites, customer review websites, discussion pages, and blogs allow people on the internet to share opinions about products, services and experiences electronically. Reviews have become an integral part to inform potential buyers about quality, accuracy, and performance of products and services, especially in e-commerce. For example, shoppers at Amazon.com heavily rely on reviews to make good purchases. In general, reviews from customers are more trusted than the marketing done by the company selling the product or service. Customers are encouraged and incentivized to add more reviews to Amazon.com to improve all customers shopping experience. Soon after making a purchase through Amazon, customers are sent a reminder to write a review for their recent purchase. The option to give anonymous reviews is considered an important element in increasing the number of reviews[5] Users feel more comfortable being honest when unidentifiable.
References
- ↑ Wallace, Kathleen A. (2018). Online Anonymity. In Himma and Tavani, pp. 165-190.
- ↑ Massanari, Adrienne. (2015). #Gamergate and The Fappening: How Reddit’s Algorithm, Governance, and Culture Support Toxic Technocultures. New Media & Society 19 (3): 229-46.
- ↑ Nazanin Andalibi, Oliver L. Haimson, Munmun De Choudhury, and Andrea Forte. 2018. Social Support, Reciprocity, and Anonymity in Responses to Sexual Abuse Disclosures on Social Media. ACM Trans. Comput.-Hum. Interact. 25, 5, Article 28 (October 2018), 35 pages. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1145/3234942.
- ↑ Cardon, P. W., Huang, Y., & Power, G. (2019). Leadership Communication on Internal Digital Platforms, Emotional Capital, and Corporate Performance: The Case for Leader-Centric Listening. International Journal of Business Communication. https://doi.org/10.1177/2329488419828808.
- ↑ Ismail Erkan & Chris Evans (2018) Social media or shopping websites? The influence of eWOM on consumers’ online purchase intentions, Journal of Marketing Communications, 24:6, 617-632, DOI: 10.1080/13527266.2016.1184706.
