Anonymity

Gal Harpaz, The Open University of Israel
doctorharpaz@gmail.com

Anonymity typically refers to the condition of being anonymous or the intentional withholding of identity information in communication. It refers to the deliberate act of concealing or omitting personal identifiers, such as the speaker's or writer's name, in linguistic expressions. Anonymity plays a significant role in shaping communication dynamics and discourse, impacting the perceived authority, power relations, and social implications within language use. There exist implications of anonymity of opinions, particularly in online communication, which have significant implications for individuals, discourse, and societal dynamics. While it can offer a protective shield for free expression, it also introduces challenges related to credibility, accountability, and the potential for abuse.

1. Enhanced Freedom of Expression: Anonymity can empower individuals to express opinions freely without fear of personal repercussions, according to Citron and Franks. This can lead to the sharing of diverse perspectives and dissenting views, fostering a robust marketplace of ideas.

2. Reduced Accountability and Responsibility: The lack of personal identification may lead to a decline in accountability, claims Suler. Individuals may feel less restrained in spreading misinformation or engaging in harmful behavior, as they perceive a diminished risk of facing consequences for their opinions or actions.

3. Impact on Online Discourse and Civility: Anonymity can contribute to a decline in civility in online discussions, as individuals may engage in more aggressive or hostile behavior when shielded by anonymity, say Pennycook and Randm. This can affect the overall quality of discourse and hinder constructive dialogue.

4. Potential for Trolling and Harassment: Buckels et al. find that anonymity provides a breeding ground for online trolling and harassment, as individuals may exploit the lack of identification to engage in harmful activities without fear of personal repercussions.

5. Challenges to Establishing Trust: Metzger et al. find that online communication introduces challenges in establishing trust within online communities or platforms. Users may question the reliability and authenticity of opinions when the identity of the speaker is concealed.

Keywords: freedom, accountability, discourse

Related Entries: Communication, Opinion, Public Opinion

References:
Buckels, E. E., Trapnell, P. D., & Paulhus, D. L. (2014). Trolls just want to have fun. Personality and Individual Differences, 67, 97-102.
Brown, P., & Levinson, S. C. (1987). Politeness: Some universals in language usage. Cambridge University Press.
Citron, D. K., & Franks, M. A. (2014). Criminalizing revenge porn. Wake Forest Law Review, 49(2), 345-391.
Crystal, D. (2001). English as a global language. Cambridge University Press.
Metzger, M. J., Flanagin, A. J., Eyal, K., Lemus, D. R., & McCann, R. (2003). Credibility for the 21st century: Integrating perspectives on source, message, and media credibility in the contemporary media environment. Communication Yearbook, 27, 293-335.
Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2018). The implied truth effect: Attaching warnings to a subset of fake news stories increases perceived accuracy of stories without warnings. Management Science, 66(11), 4944-4957.
Suler, J. R. (2004). The online disinhibition effect. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 7(3), 321-326.