Reflection – Topic 3: The Anonymous

Source: Dribble

Who would’ve thought that the identity that you have in real life, isn’t the only one you can be known for or recognised by. Reflecting upon my very own online identities, I came to realised that these identities were unknowingly built by myself, though it’s hard to actually explain these identities individually and why they were built these way. Before being exposed to this topic, I never really took a second look at the way I presented myself on my social media platforms or even fathom that registering for an account on a shopping site can also contribute to my online identity!

Reading through and a few other colleague’s post made me realised that many of us identify with multiple online identities since it benefits us by allowing us to separate the different sides of us that we choose to present in different contexts.

One part of online identity that I did not cover that was mentioned in both Eva and Yu Ying‘s post was about anonymity. My first impression on anonymity was a negative one as I quickly associated it with users who hurl hate comments on the Web, thinking that their anonymity can help shield their real identity. But further research showed me that anonymity has also helped marginalized, and otherwise ignored populations be heard as it helped protect these voices, creating more and better contributions to the marketplace of ideas. (Waldman, 2016) For example, when LGBT activists were fighting to make their voices heard, anonymity gave them the freedom to express without having to deal with any direct consequences such as backlash from their existing network, especially since the topic was much more sensitive in the past.

Source: Original Infographic

 

Ultimately, what’s most important is for users to take an active role in managing the identity(s) they own, and making sure that it stays true to what they want to portray on the Web.

  Word Count: 298 words

Posts I’ve Commented On:

Eva

Yu Ying

References:

“Home | Discover Where Cybercrime Goes To Hide.” Us.norton.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 21 Nov. 2017. https://us.norton.com/mostdangeroustown2/bonus/why-freedom-and-anonymity-on-the-internet-is-important

Hyvönen, Sanna et al. Online Activism: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. 2015. Web. 21 Nov. 2017. chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://studentportalen.uu.se/uusp-webapp/auth/webwork/filearea/download.action?nodeId=1469123&toolAttachmentId=299062&uusp.userId=guest

Palme, Jacob, and Mikael Berglund. “Anonymity On The Internet.” People.dsv.su.se. N.p., 2004. Web. 21 Nov. 2017. https://people.dsv.su.se/~jpalme/society/anonymity.html

Saadaoui, Sami. “Online Anonymity: Sometimes Necessary, Sometimes Dangerous.” Igmena.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 21 Nov. 2017. https://www.igmena.org/Online-anonymity-Sometimes-necessary-sometimes-dangerous

Waldman, Ari Ezra. “The Dangers Of Anonymity On The Internet.” The Forward. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Nov. 2017. http://forward.com/shma-now/tochecha-rebuke/353506/the-dangers-of-anonymity-on-the-internet/

 

 

Topic 3: Different Platforms, Different Me

The Web is a user-centred platform for interaction and sharing. (Coasta & Torres, 2011) How you’ve presented yourself on the Web, the people you’ve connected with online, or even simply registering with a site are some things that could’ve contributed to building your online identity. Our online identities can be defined by almost anything, from basic information like our name to our likes and preferences. (Sharma, 2016)

Source: Original Infographic Made Using: Piktochart

With the rise of social media platforms, it’s not unusual for users to present themselves differently on different platforms especially since they all work differently. We may prefer to show our raw and unedited self on Snapchat as our stories are not permanent. Compared to Instagram where everything appears to be perfect and highly filtered as it’s more accessible to the public. Simply said, “Different sites, different audiences, different purposes.” (Lee, 2016) But this has often raised the issue of authenticity when it comes to users who choose to have multiple online identities. Mark Zuckerberg was quoted saying that “having two identities for yourself is an example of a lack integrity” and emphasised that users should only have one identity. (Zimmer, 2010) But having multiple identities may just come from individuals who want to create a variety of digital personas across different platforms to not share information with unnecessary people and therefore keep some privacy. (Krotoski, 2012) In contrast, users who prefer a consistent presentation of image may see it as a good personal branding of themselves when they keep a single identity. One may also prefer the easier management and lesser worry of presenting yourself wrongly on different identities. Users who are more of a digital visitor may also find that having a single identity is substantial since they don’t upkeep a strong online presence.

Source: Original Infographic Made Using: Piktochart

Source: Original Infographic Made Using: Piktochart

There’s nothing wrong with having either numbers of identities, what’s more important is for users to know how they can effectively manage and maintain them.

Source: Original Infographic Made Using: Piktochart

Word Count: 298 words

References:

Costa, Cristina, and Ricardo Torres. To Be Or Not To Be, The Importance Of Digital Identity In The Networked Society. UK: University of Salford, i2Cat Foundation, 2011. Print.

Krotoski, Aleks. “Online Identity: Is Authenticity Or Anonymity More Important?.” the Guardian. N.p., 2012. Web. 20 Nov. 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/apr/19/online-identity-authenticity-anonymity

Lee, Nicole. “Having Multiple Online Identities Is More Normal Than You Think.” Engadget. N.p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2017. https://www.engadget.com/2016/03/04/multiple-online-identities/

Sharma, Ankur. “Why Your Digital Identity Is The Base Of All Businesses On The Internet?.” LoginRadius. N.p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2017. https://blog.loginradius.com/2016/01/digital-identity-base-of-all-web-business/

“What Is Your Network Identity? – Learning In The Network Age – University Of Southampton.” FutureLearn. N.p., 2017. Web. 20 Nov. 2017.

Young, Ruth. “Your Online Identity: Your Strongest Brand Or Worst Nightmare?.” HuffPost. N.p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2017. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/ruth-young/your-online-identity-your_b_9994346.html

Zimmer, Michael. “Facebook’S Zuckerberg: “Having Two Identities For Yourself Is An Example Of A Lack Of Integrity” | Michaelzimmer.Org.” Michaelzimmer.org. N.p., 2010. Web. 20 Nov. 2017. http://www.michaelzimmer.org/2010/05/14/facebooks-zuckerberg-having-two-identities-for-yourself-is-an-example-of-a-lack-of-integrity/