I tend to think that anonymity on the internet isn't usually used for good. Sure, people can use the veil to express themselves more honestly, but most of the time it's used for trolling. But those arguments aside, it brings up something about the community itself that I find interesting.
The argument in the article is by presenting your real name, you're opening yourself up for harassment. I had this conversation with a friend of mine. The conclusion we came to was "Why would you want to be involved in a community where this is even an issue?"
If you're afraid of being harassed for things that are true about yourself, such as being a woman, why would anybody want to be a part of a community like that?
There is a lot of social pressure that keeps us from being total assholes to each other. This is something I don't mind. Even if its not totally genuine, it makes life easier. Social pressure keeps people from being totally self-serving jerks.
I guess the thought of participating in this type of community really makes me question the value of that community. I'm sure most people are perfectly nice and good-natured, and that the handful of trolls make everybody else look bad. But wouldn't the loss of anonymity help deter trolls from getting out of hand? Maybe not. Maybe trolls are going to find ways of hiding their identity in order to keep trolling.
I, personally, think it would help people be more conscientious of one another if there might be real-world consequences for their actions.
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