Online anonymity: study found ‘stable pseudonyms’ created a more civil environment than real user names
The ability to remain anonymous when commenting online is a double-edged sword. It is valuable because it enables people to speak without fear of social and legal discrimination. But this is also what makes it dangerous. Someone from a repressive religious community can use anonymity to talk about their sexuality, for example. But someone else can use anonymity to hurl abuse at them with impunity.
An interesting study. My online interactions are done with my fLaMEd pseudonym, which is common in the communities where I participate. My experience with interactions with others under pseudonyms has been overwhelmingly positive, as we value our online handles. I love the freedom of expressing myself in my online spaces without being tied to my real life identity.
